Types Of Companies That Hire Former Police Officers

Transitioning from law enforcement to another sector can be a rewarding next step for many former police officers. Transferable skills honed over years of service, from critical thinking to management and strong communication, are in high demand across a variety of industries. 

Whether you're looking to continue in security-related fields or explore new areas like consulting, teaching or corporate roles, many opportunities await.

Companies That Hire Former Police Officers

Several types of companies hire former police officers, often valuing their skills in investigation, security, communication and crisis management. Here are common industries and roles that often offer jobs for retired police officers:

1. Private Security Firms: Former police officers often transition to private security, working for firms that provide corporate security, event security and personal protection for high-profile clients.
2. Corporate Security Departments: Large corporations, particularly in industries like finance, tech and retail, hire former officers to oversee physical security, fraud investigations, and internal compliance matters.
3. Risk Management Firms: These companies hire ex-law enforcement for assessing and mitigating risks in various areas like cybersecurity, workplace safety and asset protection.
4. Insurance Companies: Fraud investigation roles, particularly related to auto, property and healthcare insurance claims, are a common fit for former police officers.
5. Government Agencies: Various federal, state and local agencies, such as the FBI, DHS or Department of Justice, hire former police officers for roles in homeland security, intelligence, and regulatory enforcement.
6. Private Investigation Firms: Many former officers go into private investigation, working on cases ranging from background checks to more complex criminal or corporate investigations.
7. Security Consulting: Ex-police officers often work as consultants, advising businesses and individuals on best practices for safety and security protocols.
8. Transportation and Logistics: Companies in this sector value former police officers for overseeing the security of supply chains, preventing cargo theft and managing incident response.
9. Nonprofit and Public Safety Organizations: Roles involving community outreach, public safety education, or advocacy for law enforcement issues are common in this sector.
10. Cybersecurity Firms: As digital threats rise, former officers with investigative experience are hired to track cybercrimes and protect against digital security breaches.

These industries often appreciate the disciplined, analytical and quick decision-making skills developed by former police officers. In addition to companies in the private sector, the public sector offers several opportunities including education.

How Teaching Is A Promising Career Choice

Teaching is a rewarding career path for former law enforcement professionals. Many officers find that their experience in handling diverse situations, mentoring and communicating under pressure translates well into the classroom. 

Teaching roles, particularly in criminal justice, law enforcement training or public safety programs, allow former officers to pass on their knowledge and real-world experience to the next generation. 

However, the need for educators at elementary, middle and high schools in Texas is great. Like many states, Texas is facing a teacher shortage, especially in subject areas like:

• Bilingual and English as a Second Language 
• Career Technical Education (CTE) (secondary level)
• Computer Science/Technology Applications
• English Language Arts and Reading (secondary level)
• Mathematics (secondary level)
• Special Education 

To become a teacher in Texas, you must get a teaching license. One of the most popular paths you can take to earn your Texas teacher certification is through an educator preparation program. Let’s take a closer look at these programs and how your experience can help fulfill some of the training requirements.

How Your Police Job Can Help You Get Licensed To Teach

An educator preparation program (EPP) provides you with the training, knowledge and skills needed to earn certification. However, to enroll in an educator preparation program, you typically need a bachelor’s degree. 

If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, your experience may fulfill enrollment requirements. If you have an associate’s degree, you need just two years of full-time waged earned experience within 10 years to be accepted into an EPP. If you do not have any degree, you need five years of full time experience within 10 years. You can read more about this option in our article, How To Get Education Certificates Online Without A Degree.

Once you are accepted, it can take as few as 4 to 6 months to complete an educator preparation program. If you’re considering your options for a second career, teaching is a quick path even if you have no teaching experience.

An approved educator preparation program in Texas includes 300 hours of training. Of these 300 hours of training, 30 must be dedicated to observation by a teacher advisor or in a classroom environment working with students (student teaching). 

You will also need to pass the appropriate certification exams, including content exams and the PPR, or Texas Examinations of Educator Standards Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities.

By leveraging your law enforcement experience and completing an educator preparation program, you can transition into teaching relatively quickly, making it a viable and fulfilling second career option.