Top 3 Mistakes Law Enforcement Officers Make When Transitioning to the Private Sector (And How to Avoid Them)
Colin Whittington
Best-Selling Author of Beyond the Thin Blue Line | CEO of Recruiting Heroes | International Speaker | Featured on Police1, National Police Association & NPR | Career Coach | 2019 Virginia Deputy Sheriff of the Year
Making the leap from law enforcement to the private sector can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions of your career. While you’ve gained valuable skills in leadership, problem-solving, and crisis management, translating those abilities into a new field requires careful planning. Unfortunately, many officers unknowingly make mistakes that hinder their success.
I have had the opportunity to help hundreds of law enforcement officers with their career transitions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top three mistakes law enforcement officers make when transitioning to the private sector and, more importantly, and how to avoid them. The last mistake is the most critical, and it’s holding many officers back from finding truly fulfilling careers that bring them fulfillment and happiness after their years of service.
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Get Started
I have the chance to speak with numerous officers, deputies, and agents every single day. One of the most concerning things I hear too often is just how close these LEOs are to the end of their careers, yet they have not spent the time to fully prepare for what comes next. It's not uncommon for me to hear from a LEO who has already retired or is within a few weeks of retiring but does not have their next career lined up. While I am (obviously!) happy to help anyone, these officers make it more difficult on themselves by waiting.
This delay often leads to stress, rushed decisions, and missed opportunities. Transitioning to a new career isn’t something that happens overnight, it requires time to identify your goals, build your network, and develop the necessary skills. Starting early allows you to do research, finalize any necessary degrees or certifications, network, and so much more.
How to Avoid It: Start preparing as soon as you begin considering a transition. Even if you’re years away from leaving law enforcement, take steps now to update your resume, enhance your LinkedIn profile, and explore career paths that align with your interests. Attend networking events, seek mentorship, and stay informed about industries that intrigue you. Early preparation gives you the time and confidence to transition on your terms.
I am proud to offer a half-day course on preparing for the transition from law enforcement to the private sector. I travel to agencies around the country to teach this important class. While the majority of attendees are those approaching retirement, I encourage anyone who is within 3-5 years of leaving the profession to attend. This gives you the time and resources you need to strategically approach your last few years in uniform.
Want me to come to your agency? Let's make it happen! Send me an email at [email protected] to get me scheduled!
Mistake #2: Failing to Write a Strong Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Your resume and LinkedIn profile are often your first impression with potential employers. While these two things are not critical in law enforcement, they are absolutely essential in the private sector job market. Many officers struggle to translate their law enforcement experience into language that resonates with the private sector.
A poorly written resume or underdeveloped LinkedIn profile can make you appear unqualified, even if you have the skills needed for the job. With competition for jobs at record levels, candidates need to make an incredible first impression to stand a chance of advancing to the interview phase. I have found that most law enforcement officers do very well once they have made it to the interview part of the process. However, getting there is the biggest hurdle they face. And much of this has to do with their resume and LinkedIn profile.
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How to Avoid It: Craft a resume that highlights your transferable skills, such as leadership, conflict resolution, project management, and attention to detail. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements, like managing budgets, training teams, or implementing policies. Watch my latest resume writing workshop where I share vital information about crafting a compelling resume: https://youtu.be/krhY_bQCqwM
On LinkedIn, showcase your professional brand by including a strong headline, detailed work experience, and a clear summary of your career goals. Engage with industry-specific groups and share content to position yourself as a knowledgeable professional in your target field.
Check out RecruitingHeroesLLC.com to learn more about our Resume Writing & LinkedIn Optimization services!
Mistake #3:
This is the most critical mistake I see so many law enforcement officers make. And I go into detail about it in Episode 7 of the Recruiting Heroes Show! Check it out here: https://youtu.be/ceRyscGfONI
Please remember to like the video and subscribe to the channel! We constantly share advice, strategies, services, products, etc. that can help you with your career transition!
Conclusion
Transitioning from law enforcement to the private sector is a unique journey that requires intentional planning and strategic execution. By avoiding the common pitfalls of waiting too long to prepare, neglecting a strong resume and LinkedIn profile, and falling into the trap of not fully vetting potential employers, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling career that matches your skills, values, and passions.
This process isn’t just about finding a new job; it’s about finding the right job, one that aligns with who you are and what you care about. Starting early, crafting a compelling professional brand, and thoroughly researching employers will put you on the path to success.
Remember, your years of service have equipped you with incredible skills that are highly valued in the private sector. With the right preparation, you can confidently take the next step and build a future that honors your dedication and hard work.
If you’re ready to begin your transition or want to ensure you’re on the right track, check out my resources at RecruitingHeroesLLC.com or reach out to schedule a training session for your agency. Your next chapter awaits—start planning today!
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3 周Transitioning can be tough. I learned the hard way too. It’s important to find a good fit. Awesome post, let's connect.
SSEII@ Student | CCNA, Security+
1 个月I think you overlooked one major one. Pulling your pension out too soon. If your leaving wait for a year, get off probation at the new job and make it past a year prior to rolling your pension if you decide that. I’ve seen cops leave and pull their pension asap only to return 8-10 months later. Once you pull your pension you now have to start from scratch. Be sure it’s the right job and make it off probation. Then roll your pension.
Loss Prevention, Risk Management & Security Professional; retired Law Enforcement Officer
1 个月As someone who made the transition and was the first retired LEO at my Company, there were hurdles in convincing leadership here that there were many valuable and transferable skills. Now, my team of LP Specialists all have a background in law enforcement.
Operations Maestro | Leadership Nerd | Published Author | 8x Marathoner Running on Big Ideas (and coffee)
1 个月I'll add this: A key mistake former LEOs make is listening to the part of their brain that says "I only know how to do one thing" or "I'll never find work as meaningful as this again" or "My identity is gone." Like everything else, your LE career is a chapter of your life's story. It may be a long chapter, or a short one, but as many military vets will also say: don't make it the cover of your book. Move on to the next chapter and make that one just as great as the last.