Career Change Police Officer At 45 Years Old
Any coppers here?Any coppers who enjoy their job?My current industry couldnt be further away from the Police but I dont want to do it any more.
Felix125 · 29/09/2022 11:23
I do22 years service I’ve had and still enjoy it. Everyday is different and you meet some really interesting people.The shift you work with become another family to you – and its a great feeling to see ‘your family’ policing the town.You’re never going to change the world – but i like to think that i can change the lives of the people you come in contact with.
Ballsaque · 04/10/2022 19:16
Thanks for your reply @Felix125I have a good friend who enjoys it too. I feel like it would be my last change age wise to give it a good go. Unfortunately my DH already works shifts so Im not sure it is even a possibility yet .
gonnabeok · 04/10/2022 19:47
Hearthnhome · 04/10/2022 19:57
Are you 45 now? Because its likely that by the time the application process is done and you start, you could be a fair bit older.A friend of mine recently took 2 years between application to starting. and hows your fitness? I just asked my dad and he said he wouldnt.He is retired on a good pension, but served 32 years. However, he did say that when he was in that you had to be beat fit even if you did a desk job. That could have changed. But if it hasnt, you need to think about how long you could remain fit enough to go on the beat in, say, 15 years.
HighlandPony · 04/10/2022 19:59
A Career Change For A Disc Jockey Leads Him To His Local Police Department
The 34-year-old father of two found he had the right experience and maturity for a new career as a police officer
Reprinted with permission from Behind the Badge
Mike Broida grew up in Bakersfield and spent most of his 20s working as a DJ at parties, weddings, or any special event that needed two turntables and a microphone.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Broida, a husband and father of two, began to question his career in event planning and he realized he needed a new profession. One that would work with his family, but also one that was fulfilling.
In a leap of faith, Broida, 34, decided he wanted to become a police officer.
I did wonder if I was a little too old to start in law enforcement, Broida said. But when I was being interviewed by the department, they mentioned I was the prime age. I had life experience and emotional maturity, which is important when you are out patrolling.
With the support of his wife and the recruitment officers at Bakersfield Police Department, Broida joined the academy and had a good experience. His biggest hurdle was adapting to the chain of command environment that was vastly different than being a DJ. But life experience granted him the wisdom to know he would adjust to his new environment.
And he did.
In June, Broida graduated from the academy where he was also honored with the Physical Fitness Award, and his wife and two children cheered him on as he began a new chapter in his life.
Why They Are Needed
Fair and well-trained police officers are a crucial part of any modern society as they protect civilians, and their belongings, and ensure that rules are followed and that laws are fairly enforced. Without the police, society would struggle to thrive as there would be no authoritative figure to help play a role in protecting society and to ensure that justice is served, leading to chaos.
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Jobs For Former Police Officers How About Project Management
One example of a great career for mid-service leavers and retired police officers is Project Management. Police have a great, pragmatic, can-do attitude and exceptional stakeholder management skills, which is perfect for project management. After retiring from the Police, Andy’s first application was for a Junior Project Manager role. However, the employer soon realised he had much more to offer and brought him in for a second interview, but what Andy didn’t know was that it was for the next band up… a promotion before even starting. The problem was Andy lacked confidence outside of Policing and just didn’t believe in himself.
Thankfully, the Programme Manager did and Andy was offered a more senior role and became the Project Manager of a project that had been running for 5 years, with just 7 months to go. This was in an industry he knew nothing about and where he inherited a fantastic team of 6 people. Using the skills and leadership experience from Policing, he shifted the team mindset from data-driven to results-driven and they delivered against the odds, on time and to budget.
Get The Right Police Education & Training
There was a time when becoming a police officer was as simple as graduating high school or earning your GED, then attending a short training academy before diving into on-the-job training. And though those opportunities do still exist, especially in smaller departments, most departments have raised their standards of education to at least two years of post-secondary work. This means pursing an associate degree in law enforcement or a related field, such as criminal justice, criminology, or police science should be the first option to consider. The associate degree can then serve as a stepping stone to the bachelors degree, which then leads to graduate degree options.
However, other routes to the profession do exist. In addition to the on-the-job training after completing academy training, there is also the military option. Those who work as military police or in a similar capacity while serving their country can be perfectly suited to move into a police force after their military time is up. Lets take a look at the options.
Associate Degree in Law Enforcement
Bestfor? Those who want to stand outagainst the competition, or need a basic college degree to apply fora particular job opening.
Bachelors Degree in Law Enforcement
Best for? Those who have the time and financial resources to earn a four-year degree, want to work in federal law enforcement, or anticipate future professional advancement.
Masters Degree in Law Enforcement
Military experience in lieu of a degree
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From Law Enforcement To Financial Services: Stacie Shares Her Career Journey To Schwab
“The company has a culture of learning and growth. Because Im new and dont have experience in the industry, its overwhelming, but youre reminded that its okay and youre learning and if you make mistakes its okay and that were all here to learn and grow. As long as youre doing your best, it makes it less stressful knowing that people are here to support you. You get the coaching and you know the coaches are there to help youthat message has been conveyed both overtly and covertly. I havent always had that experience in other positions.”
Tell us what you do here at Schwab:
Im a Participant Associate in Retirement Plan Services and in phase two of the program. My day to day job right now is taking calls from participants across the country who have questions or needs with their 401 accounts. As part of the training Im in, Im in the licensing phase. Weve taken the SIE and Im studying for the Series 7 and then Ill take the test for the 66 those are the three tests we take for this position. Because I dont have a background in finance its a lot to learn but its a great challenge and surprising to me how much is involved and I would have never grasped what we all do for these retirement accountsI feel like Ill be learning a lot. Some days I feel overwhelmed but I know that there is plenty to learn.
What was your profession prior to joining Schwab?
What prompted you to make a shift in your career?
What interested you in joining Schwab?
Police Officers Career Change Faq
What career can I do as a former police officer?
As a former police officer, you can use your transferable skills to pursue different careers as a private investigator, victim advocate, fire inspector, bodyguard, or crime scene investigator.
Can you be a police officer and have another job?
Yes, you can be a police officer and have another side job. Side jobs are a great way for individuals to earn extra income while developing professional knowledge and skills. Some common side jobs for police officers include security guard, private investigator, and personal trainer.
Is joining the police force worth it?
Yes, a career as a police officer is worth it for many people for multiple reasons. For one, police officers earn more than the average national salary. Secondly, the job demand for police officers is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade, meaning youll have many employment opportunities in the future.
What do police officers do when they are older?
Police officers pursue a wide range of careers in law enforcement as they gain more experience. Such roles include private investigator, victim advocate, and postsecondary teacher. Police officers need to stay in good physical shape which becomes challenging as professionals age, which is why many officers transition to different careers.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
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Thoughts About Leaving Policing
I originally wrote this article for a police magazine and felt it might be useful to reprint it here.
We have been supporting police officers as they leave policing for eleven years now, having set up Police into Private Sector in early 2011. We had all experienced moving from the singular environment of policing into the private sector as a steep learning curve. Not least because there did not seem to be any available tried and tested guidance that competently met the needs of police officers or long serving police staff. Having realised how little help there was, and now knowing this field from both the policing side and the private sector we set about offering the services we wished we could have accessed.
Leaving
If you are leaving after substantial service then the resettlement days are helpful. They are useful are helpful at making sure all your financial and legal ducks are in line and if you go along to any Metfriendly events, I will be there talking about next careers. But what about if you are outside of that?
What if you are leaving without 30 years service, after 15 or five years? What if you need to know the best way to find the right jobs that suit your needs? What if you want to try new sectors for a fresh start?
PiPS are here to help you with the specifics, from CVs and LinkedIn expertise, career coaching and interview preparation.
Oh dear, it is no wonder many people feel a real sense of dread mixed with the excitement of a new adventure.
Networking
Blue Light Leavers Facebook Group
The group is about giving the belief that a career change for police officers is possible. Andy created the by inviting a large number of cops that had already successfully transitioned, mindset and career coaches, recruiters, and more and then cops, mid-service and pre and post retirement, looking for jobs or new roles.
Looking for how to find jobs for former police officers? Join the group. Some of the best coaches and recruiters in the U.K. are in the group. Andy has created an amazing network where people can ask questions and get answers! The group is not just police officers, but other first responders and prison officers too from around the world. Theres a document available inside the group that gives members the opportunity to add their former positions and what they are doing now to inspire those now looking. The group is also filled with recruiters. They advertise and watch whats going on and if someone has a specific skill set that matches a role, Andy will personally reach out to the recruiter.
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How To Transition From The Police Into The Private Sector Using Linkedin
Although it sounds obvious, the key is getting through the door to get the first interview and LinkedIn is a great tool to help you do that. When you do get through the door, those first few seconds make the biggest impression on the prospective employer, so be smart, be punctual, be friendly and smile.
These 4 tips will also help with finding jobs for former police officers and those transitioning from the police into the private sector:
What Are Important Skills A Police Officer Can Take Into A New Career
A police officer possesses interpersonal and technical skills that translate well into roles that are excellent alternative careers for police officers. They include:
- Investigative experience
- Communicating with team members and the public
- Ability to pay attention to small details that are part of a larger picture
- Situational awareness
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From Police Officer To Working In Tech: The Ultimate Guide To Making A Career Transformation From Law Enforcement
Although law enforcement is a well-paying job with a good pension, many police officers leave the profession in search of a more secure and balanced life. But, according to CNN, COVID-19, the great resignation, burnout, and a dramatic increase in crime rates across American cities make recruitment and retention difficult.
According to the police executive forum, which surveyed 200 police departments, there has been a 44% increase in police retirements and an 18% increase in cops quitting their jobs.Additionally, in a recent New York Post study, over 2,465 police officers have filed to leave the department this year . Police officers who have had enough are starting to search for private-sector job opportunities.
Are you currently working in law enforcement, but ready to make a change? Keep reading for key insights on making the switch.
Assess Your Professional Objectives
You may decide to change careers because you are dissatisfied or unhappy in your current position. However, it is preferable to investigate what is causing such feelings in your current workplace.
Whatever the reason, before making the leap, you should spend some time in self-reflection to gain clarity. This will assist you in determining the direction you want your career to take.
Consider journaling down your thoughts to help you hone in on what it is about your job as a police officer that makes you unhappy. After that, you’ll be surprised how much clarity you’ll get and how easily you’ll be able to spot other jobs that might bring about those same unwanted stressors.
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Pass The Post Exam & Become A Police Officer
In order to work as a police officer, aspiring applicants must pass the Peace Officer Standards and Training or Police Officer Standards and Training exam. Commonly known as the POST exam, this is required for each state except Hawaii . Each state has subtle differences in their testing procedure, requirements, and the test itself, so its important to do in-depth research on the test your particular state requires.
Examsfor police officers include not only the POST written examination which includes an evaluation of grammar, reading comprehension, andwriting but other points as well, such as physical agility,medical health, psychological fitness, background review, and an oralinterview. Some states might add other requirements, such as apolygraph test. Once these tests are satisfactorily passed, graduatesare ready to work as police officers. The procedure it takes to getfrom passing the tests to wearing the badge depends on the state andin some cases, the department itself.
Step 6
How Long Will It Take To Change Careers
While you may be really excited to hit the ground running in IT, it’s important to remember that a career change takes time. Corinne Mills, author and managing director of Personal Career Management, suggests patience when transitioning to a new career.
While some people want to radically reinvent their career instantly, it is more realistic to work toward a new career over time. This might mean making changes in your current job, studying a course in the evening, shadowing someone in the role or learning new skills to make yourself more attractive to potential employers, she told The Guardian. It might also mean that you gradually move into your new career via a series of jobs rather than one giant leap and this is important if you want to protect your salary rather than going back to entry-level wages.
The amount of time will be different for everyone, depending on your transferrable skills and experience and the amount and type of training you need. Career coach Daisy Swan says you’ll need to allot time to educate, to develop a new network in that field and to gain meaningful experiences that introduce you as a player… which then leads to gathering credibility and accessibility to your new work and new career.
For some, it may be a few months, but for others it may be longer. Regardless of how long it takes, remember to go into the process with patience and a list of SMART goals that will keep you steadily on the path to a career in IT.
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