Find a Job You Really Want In
The landscape of law enforcement has changed significantly, leading many police officers to reevaluate their careers. Increasingly, former officers are exploring diverse opportunities outside traditional policing roles. As the public perception of policing evolves and the demands of the job shift, many are seeking fulfilling career paths that leverage their unique skills and experiences.
While enrollment in criminal justice programs remains steady, fewer individuals are pursuing careers as beat cops, resulting in a transformation of the police workforce. This raises an important question: what career paths are former police officers taking?
To find out, we analyzed resumes from thousands of former police officers to uncover the types of jobs they are transitioning into. We focused on the top 100 roles identified and compiled a summary of the most common and interesting positions below.
Here’s a snapshot of the top ten job transitions for former police officers:
- Security Officer
- Deputy Sheriff
- Investigator
- Correction Officer
- Customer Service Representative
- Sales Associate
- Business Owner
- Sergeant
- Operations Manager
- Driver
While these positions are practical and utilize skills honed during law enforcement careers, they may not immediately stand out as exciting. However, a closer look reveals some intriguing options that former police officers have pursued.
Noteworthy Career Paths for Former Police Officers
Here are some of the most captivating career transitions made by former officers:
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Detective
- Agent
- Director of Public Safety
- Bartender
- Platoon Sergeant
- Pilot
- Federal Air Marshal
- Firefighter
- Barber
These positions offer a mix of excitement and the opportunity to continue serving the community in new ways. While the appeal of each job may vary, the skills developed in police work often translate well into these new roles.
How We Identified Common Career Paths for Former Police Officers
Utilizing a database of over 7 million resumes, we analyzed submissions that included police experience. We then identified the most common jobs that followed their time in law enforcement, sorting them by frequency. This method enabled us to create a ranked list, which you can find below, highlighting the most interesting roles as well.
1. Loss Prevention Specialist
Percentage of Former Cops: 0.12%
Loss Prevention Specialists act as the security for individual retail locations, focusing on preventing theft and apprehending shoplifters. This role is ideal for those who enjoyed the investigative elements of police work but prefer a less intense environment.
2. Detective
Percentage of Former Cops: 0.53%
Detectives investigate crimes by gathering evidence and analyzing suspect behavior. While many work within police departments, opportunities also exist in private detective agencies, offering flexibility and new challenges.
3. Agent
Percentage of Former Cops: 0.16%
In this context, ‘Agent’ generally refers to individuals who facilitate contracts and relationships between parties. This role can be a natural fit for former officers skilled in negotiation and mediation.
4. Director of Public Safety
Percentage of Former Cops: 0.12%
Directors of Public Safety oversee multiple safety departments, including fire and emergency management, reporting directly to city officials. This role provides a significant leadership opportunity for former officers seeking to impact community safety.
5. Bartender
Percentage of Former Cops: 0.08%
Bartending allows former officers to leverage their communication skills and enjoy the social aspect of work. Depending on tips, this role can be financially rewarding as well.
6. Platoon Sergeant
Percentage of Former Cops: 0.07%
Platoon Sergeants typically bring extensive military experience to the role and can benefit from the leadership skills gained in police work, making it a viable transition.
7. Pilot
Percentage of Former Cops: 0.06%
Piloting is one of the more thrilling careers on this list, as pilots operate aircraft for various sectors, including law enforcement and firefighting.
8. Federal Air Marshal
Percentage of Former Cops: 0.06%
Federal Air Marshals maintain security on commercial flights, utilizing skills from law enforcement to protect passengers from threats.
9. Firefighter
Percentage of Former Cops: 0.05%
Many former police officers transition to firefighting, fulfilling a commitment to public service and community safety through a different avenue.
10. Barber
Percentage of Former Cops: 0.03%
While cutting hair may not seem as thrilling as law enforcement, it provides a chance for creativity and personal interaction, making it an appealing choice for some.
Conclusion
In summary, the career paths available to former police officers are diverse and often surprising. As the job market continues to evolve, many officers are finding new ways to utilize their skills and experiences in fulfilling roles. Below, you can explore the full ranked list of common jobs for former police officers.
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Interested in more resources like this? Explore our article on the best states in the U.S. for police officers.
Detailed Ranking of the Most Common Jobs of Former Police Officers
Author
Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.
