Sir Edmund Hillary famously said, “The Sherpas play a very important role in most mountaineering expeditions, and in fact many of them lead along the ridges and up to the summit.” Success for a “Sherpa” can be defined by their capacity to assist others in exceeding their own expectations. In the mountainous range of career transitions, those who you ask (or in some cases pay) to assist you in that journey should have real-world experience in living the journey.
I've spoken with law enforcement officers from across North America, and a familiar tale keeps coming up. When officers leave the force for civilian jobs, they often take advice from people who do not understand what police work is and how an officer’s skills and experiences translate to other industries and roles. Why does this keep happening? Simple truth: you don't know what you don't know. Making the transition from law enforcement into private security requires a change in mindset, vernacular and curiosity. I have seen avoidable mistakes and missteps cost people great opportunities. Here are some considerations for anyone making the transition from law enforcement -
- The Cultural Competence Gap: When Your Guide Can’t Read the Terrain
This hit home for me after I referred a struggling officer to a therapist who specializes in working with law enforcement. During our call, she mentioned being "culturally competent" with police officers. That's when the lightbulb went off. This is exactly what's missing in career transitions! Even the National Institute of Justice backs this up - they've found that transition programs work when the people running them truly understand police culture.
Think about it - as an officer, you've mastered crisis management, quick thinking under pressure, and reading people. These skills are gold in the private sector. There are many transferable skills, but they often get lost in translation because the person helping you doesn't recognize their value.
- Resume Disconnect and Disasters
Resume services specializing in a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work.
One officer sent me his resume after applying to 200 jobs without a single callback. Instead of highlighting his leadership and problem-solving skills, his resume was packed with less-lethal weapon certifications. Impressive on the force? Absolutely. Meaningful to a corporate hiring manager? Not so much.
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Beyond Paper Qualifications
The challenges go way beyond your resume. That direct, command-oriented communication style that served you well on the job? Research shows it can tank a corporate interview. You need to adjust how you talk about your experience, present yourself on LinkedIn, and approach networking.
Officers who get specialized coaching from people who understand both worlds do so much better in their transitions.
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Navigating Online Resources
If you're planning your exit from law enforcement, you'll hear tons of advice, especially online. Be picky about who you listen to. The Police Executive Research Forum found that working with career coaches who understand the emotional and psychological side of leaving the force makes a huge difference.
Going from officer to civilian professional is a major identity shift. You need someone in your corner who understands both worlds.
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The Company You Keep
For law enforcement professionals seeking new horizons, organizations like the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) and ASIS International provide essential support for successful career transitions. These respected associations connect you with practical resources that translate your skills into civilian opportunities—from targeted educational programs and industry-recognized certifications to mentorship from those who've walked this path before you.
ASIS International also demonstrates their commitment to through Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (MLEAD), offering free access to the Global Security Exchange (GSX). This opportunity opens doors to cutting-edge security education and meaningful connections with potential employers who value your experience.
When choosing mentors for your journey, look beyond titles. Ask candidates about their organizational involvement and volunteer work. Their responses will reveal not just what they know, but how they've applied that knowledge to help others—giving you clear indicators of who can truly guide your transition forward.
Just as mountaineers trust their Sherpas to navigate treacherous peaks, your journey from law enforcement to civilian career demands a guide(s) who truly understands both territories. By seeking mentors who've successfully crossed this divide, leveraging specialized organizations, and translating your exceptional skills into language that resonates with civilian employers, you're not merely changing careers—you're ascending to new professional heights. The summit of your next chapter awaits, and with the right guide by your side—one who recognizes the true value of your law enforcement experience, you'll reach elevations in your civilian career that once seemed impossibly distant.
For more resources on law enforcement (and militar) to civlian transitions, check out Operation Career Change.
Terry Owens, CPP, currently serves as Director of Security for Shamrock Trading Corporation following his retirement from a distinguished 15-year career with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. Terry is the Vice Chair of ASIS International’s Kansas City Missouri Chapter.
