Exit Strategy: Planning Before Changing Law Enforcement Jobs

There is hardly a news line today that does not have a story of a local police agency in near crisis due to staffing shortages. In every police website and professional publication, there is at least one woeful staffing shortage story. There is always room for new recruiting ideas and success stories. Countless police agencies are in an all-out hunt for candidates to fill their vacancies. This comes as no surprise to any of us considering the draconian hand that has been dealt to this profession. Now, when I speak with police officers there seems to be a current theme—where is the grass greener and how do I get there.

There seems to be three camps of today’s officers. One that has a countdown to either vesting or retiring. The countdown is reminiscent of that of my military time where you would brag how “short” (soldier’s remaining time of enlistment) you were, soon you would be back home.  

The largest central group will ask if I have heard of anyone hiring in other places. Seems that the allure of starting over in a more positive environment is their dream. Larger city officers look to the smaller to medium sized departments. Some even look for rural areas. Some state’s POST seems to be more favorable for law enforcement certification reciprocity. Some areas now are offering sign-on bonuses and assistance with relocation, beginning to sound nearly utopian to some.

Albeit the third group just wants out and whatever is holding them varies from person to person. They have quit on the job, which can be dangerous on so many levels. They are flaming out and do not want to rekindle their career, it is over for them. Officers in this phase endanger themselves and others by lack of attention (tactical safety) and jeopardize their personal well-being. Your mental well-being is what is important. If you are worrisome in your job it affects you, your family and friends. It will eat away at you, get help.

My Advice

When I happen upon officers now, it is usually in the role of an instructor. After listening to them and should they ask me my thoughts, I have a few questions before I offer advice.

First, I ask them, what have you done to prepared yourself to re-enter the job market? Do you have an updated resume? If not, start working on one. Matter of fact, not a bad strategy to have one ready at a moments notice. If you are going to court, especially as an expert witness; you will have to produce your vita to prove your expertise. Some larger departments now ask for a resume for promotions and assignments. Face it, in a very large department, you may not be known by the higher ups, so prepare to get your name on the top.

What is your financial wellness? I know this is personal, but you asked me first. What do you have to make a do to transition or move? First, nobody makes money when they move, there are always out-of-pocket expenses. Do you have enough in your reserves between pay checks? Do you have a plan for health insurance? Most scoff at this, but what about your family’s coverage? Are your coffers deep enough to cover this transition period and its expenses?

Do you have a real financial advisor who can properly advise you? Whether you know it or not, you have a wealth portfolio—just how strong is it is the question. Seek out a licensed, reputable financial advisor who can manage your accounts and guide you on your financial plans. Do not use the neighborhood guy who invested in pork bellies, nor your golf buddy who is a day trader. You and your spouse/partner need to have a serious, no holds barred conversation with a financial advisor. All your accounts need to be on the table for an evaluation and plan. Granted you may not like what you may hear. You may have to stick it out until a vestment time point. If you receive any monies, it will go to the plan, not a new pickup truck. This will require hard decisions and probably a change in your financial behavior, save and invest rather than spend.  

I mentioned family, have you discussed this with your family? If your spouse or partner has a career, do they want to uproot their career if you are planning on moving? If you have children, moving them while they are in school can be disturbing to them as well. Having a family meeting and full disclosure of what you are planning on doing would be well spent time. You cannot afford a divorce along with all this as well.

Tell me your motivation that is making you considering leaving your job. Are the conditions that bad and how rapidly do you need to exit? Take time and contact human resources to determine what will be your exit package will be? What are your re-employment rights? Determine how long it will take for you to be vested in your retirement, if you wait it out you will have one retirement in the bag.

Starting over in a new department or job? I know you have felt beat down which led you to this crossroads in your life but now you must reenergize yourself. You will be leaving a comfort zone and going into uncertainty. Instead of being a Field Training Officer (FTO), you may now be riding with one as the recruit. If you change vocations or sign-on a department that is career oriented (everyone starts on the bottom) you have that long traditional road in front of you—again.  You are also not only giving up seniority, but do not forget your accumulated vacation and time off. I recall what the old timers would say to a FNG (Fabulous New Guy/Girl)—"you gotta get your time (in)."

Starting over can be exciting but it has its obstacles. Recall how you were when you started the on the job? Full of energy and enthusiasm, well you are there again, only older and jaded. This is big life decision to start over and you must have overwhelming confidence in yourself! You may find an agency that credits your life and job experience with sign-on bonuses (put that money to investment side of the budget—you do not need a new boat). If you seek out a department who is recruiting experienced officers, you are ahead of the curve. These agencies have fast tracking for your new career.

Be a realist in your case. It sounds easy to say, “I quit” and sounds easy to say “I will get another job that is better.” Jobs are out there, but are they any better than where you are leaving? Will you get hired? Can you stand moving to another city or state. By the way, if you are moving to another state, how will your law enforcement certifications transfer? You may end up going back to the police academy for some state specific course or worse, the entire academy all over again. Can you accept that and do that? How big is the financial gap you have to manage? If you are starting over, your biggest hurt should be your ego and not your personal financial stability. Most veteran officers have made their place within their department. You are the respected veteran officer. You have seniority and standing. Granted this career move might be a mental wellness recovery for you. Your personal mental health may be more critical to you, and I get that. The point of this piece is the exact same advice I always give—make sure your life is “Future Proofed”.

About the Author

William L. "Bill" Harvey is a U.S. Army Military Police Corps veteran. He has a BA in criminology from St. Leo University and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute of the University of Louisville (103rd AOC).  Harvey served for over 23 years with the Savannah (GA) Police Department in field operations, investigations and completed his career as the director of training. Served as the chief of police of the Lebanon City Police Dept (PA) for over seven years and then ten years as Chief of Police for the Ephrata Police Dept (PA). He continues to  publish for professional periodicals and train. He is on the advisory board of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association.