Leaving the Police
Discussion
I worked with a council planning department for a few years.
3 of the enforcement officers were ex-police, although in their 50s I reckon.
They were very effective: they didn't need a tonne of planning knowledge, but were good at calming irate people down, collecting evidence and writing reports.
Just a thought.
Ian
3 of the enforcement officers were ex-police, although in their 50s I reckon.
They were very effective: they didn't need a tonne of planning knowledge, but were good at calming irate people down, collecting evidence and writing reports.
Just a thought.
Ian
Derek Smith said:
The problem.......{is}.... too many police officers wanting to be ex.
Derek Smith said:
The benefits of commitment...{et al}.......... are not much on a CV.
I'm not certain those two statements tally with each other in the way you might wish.Edited by Rovinghawk on Sunday 5th June 15:39
Oilchange said:
I also see that there would be a transition period of adjustment which would probably involve conflict and disagreement.
One of my best guys was an ex-para; sensible, great at following instructions, open to advice. One of his chaps once queried an instruction & nearly got his head ripped off.Oilchange said:
A lot of ex forces move around several jobs in the early stages after leaving due, I think, to the re adjustment.
I've always believed that for every year 'in' they need a month 'out' to readjust.I'm not, and never have been in the Police but I work with a lot of ex bobbies both in my own organisation and as external consultants/contractors. A lot of them, especially those with a traffic background seem to do well as trainers, training consultants or training providers to large companies and public bodies. That's not just training driving/traffic related stuff either, although that does seem to be popular. Maybe worth a look for the OP.
My dad retired from Sussex police in 2009/2010 I think. He was an Inspector in traffic with previous experience in driver training, accident investigation and firearms. After he left he found a job at Brighton and Hove Council in their traffic planning department which was a bit of a slog and not as well paid as the police but with much better hours, no being on call etc. He went in at a reasonable managerial level obviously having run a traffic base very well suited to people management. He now works as a transportation consultant in the UAE, the money is superb, the job not so much as the locals like to pay for the best advice and then ignore it but he gets paid either way. He works with a huge number of former police officers and I know that within the UAE forces they have quite a few ex plod consultants from the UK.
From my dads experience I'd say looking within the public sector you will probably find many jobs that although not outwardly appearing suitable to you, you would be very suited to. Stable pay, hours etc being a bonus.
I wish you luck, it's a sad state of affairs that hard working dedicated people feel the way you do about policing given how well regarded the profession was years ago.
From my dads experience I'd say looking within the public sector you will probably find many jobs that although not outwardly appearing suitable to you, you would be very suited to. Stable pay, hours etc being a bonus.
I wish you luck, it's a sad state of affairs that hard working dedicated people feel the way you do about policing given how well regarded the profession was years ago.
I'd echo the public sector advice, Councils usually have an Emergency Planning Offier - always staffed by ex police - incident response type stuff.
I've seen ex police officers in other roles including contact centre manager (customer service) and planning as mentioned.
Register for alerts on Job Go Public and be broad minded about what may suit you
I've seen ex police officers in other roles including contact centre manager (customer service) and planning as mentioned.
Register for alerts on Job Go Public and be broad minded about what may suit you
Sir Bagalot said:
The Pension. 12 more years til you receive a two thirds final salary pension for life.
My BIL is in the force. He loves pay day. Not because he get paid, but because he's one pay day nearer his last one.
Not necessarily. The op sounds like a carbon copy of me. Joined very young (19) so am 37 years old with 18 years service. When the pension changes came in I missed out on any protection, so to get my full pension instead of 12 years to go I have 22 years to do, as now have to work until I'm 60. And it's not longer a final salary pension, it's a CARE scheme, so I'll get less. My BIL is in the force. He loves pay day. Not because he get paid, but because he's one pay day nearer his last one.
OP, reading through your post I started thinking I might have written it myself!
I did close to 19 years in the police, wasn't interested in promotion but was lucky enough to specialise in a couple of very specific roles. I reckon I enjoyed the first 15 of my 19 years service.
But for the last three years, doubt started creeping in - just occasionally at first - the odd last-minute shift change, the poor management, the lack of welfare, the pernicious encouragement for officers to report their colleagues for minor indiscretions.
Over time, my health started to suffer, I wasn't seeing my children grow up, I was feeling increasingly unhappy and the cause was my job. It was daft. To be clear, it wasn't the policing - the going out and dealing with things - that was never a problem. It was the weak management, the removal of almost all discretion, and the expectation that you would put the job first in all circumstances - ahead of your home life, family, social life and everything else that we all live for.
Eventually, after a particularly difficult week, I had a long conversation with Mrs L and the next day I put my resignation in. I had no plan, no job lined up, no savings to fall back on and a mortgage and bills to pay.
I chanced it.
For about 6 months I ran an eBay business. I bought catalogue returns from a local auction house and sold them on eBay. Business was good at first and I earned almost as much as I did in the police. This gave me time to qualify as an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor), and I started teaching a few people to drive, which supplemented my income. Over time, however, the price of my stock started to go up, eBay became a less enjoyable place to make a living and to be honest I was getting a bit fed up of working for myself (it's not for everyone).
I saw a job advertised with a local council for head of enforcement in the Licensing Department (pubs & clubs, off-licences, taxis & taxi drivers, gambling act stuff etc.). As ex-police I walked the interview and they took me on straight away. Although I wasn't very clued up on licensing, the other skills I'd built up during my police career were highly relevant to the new job - investigating complaints, taking statements, PACE interviews, presenting evidence etc.
It also involved liaising with the local police, so my previous police experience helped enormously. Within 2 years I'd been promoted to head of licensing and I'm now working one day a week alongside the PCCs office developing further licensing opportunities through the devolution process.
I cannot begin to describe how much better my Council is as an employer than the police were. My opinions are valued, my ideas are encouraged, I have the freedom to make decisions and change working practices and, although we've been through a period of unprecedented cuts, I've been allowed to run my department more like a business so that we don't actually cost the council tax payer a penny.
My health has improved, my relationships with my family are better than they've ever been and I'm happier in my career than I ever was in the police.
My salary has now overtaken my police salary and I have a couple of little side-lines which bring in a little pocket money as well.
OP, look for opportunities within enforcement & compliance departments in local authorities close to you. You should also look at NHS jobs for junior management roles, and schools who are looking for inclusion managers, safeguarding leads etc. There are loads of opportunities out there and employers will be very keen to meet you. You don't think that the skills you've developed in the police are relevant, but believe me, they are - you can talk to people, deal sensitively with problems and work out solutions to issues quickly and effectively.
Click through my username and visit my website - drop me an email through the site & I'll happily share more details on how you can find a suitable new job & get out of the police!
I did close to 19 years in the police, wasn't interested in promotion but was lucky enough to specialise in a couple of very specific roles. I reckon I enjoyed the first 15 of my 19 years service.
But for the last three years, doubt started creeping in - just occasionally at first - the odd last-minute shift change, the poor management, the lack of welfare, the pernicious encouragement for officers to report their colleagues for minor indiscretions.
Over time, my health started to suffer, I wasn't seeing my children grow up, I was feeling increasingly unhappy and the cause was my job. It was daft. To be clear, it wasn't the policing - the going out and dealing with things - that was never a problem. It was the weak management, the removal of almost all discretion, and the expectation that you would put the job first in all circumstances - ahead of your home life, family, social life and everything else that we all live for.
Eventually, after a particularly difficult week, I had a long conversation with Mrs L and the next day I put my resignation in. I had no plan, no job lined up, no savings to fall back on and a mortgage and bills to pay.
I chanced it.
For about 6 months I ran an eBay business. I bought catalogue returns from a local auction house and sold them on eBay. Business was good at first and I earned almost as much as I did in the police. This gave me time to qualify as an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor), and I started teaching a few people to drive, which supplemented my income. Over time, however, the price of my stock started to go up, eBay became a less enjoyable place to make a living and to be honest I was getting a bit fed up of working for myself (it's not for everyone).
I saw a job advertised with a local council for head of enforcement in the Licensing Department (pubs & clubs, off-licences, taxis & taxi drivers, gambling act stuff etc.). As ex-police I walked the interview and they took me on straight away. Although I wasn't very clued up on licensing, the other skills I'd built up during my police career were highly relevant to the new job - investigating complaints, taking statements, PACE interviews, presenting evidence etc.
It also involved liaising with the local police, so my previous police experience helped enormously. Within 2 years I'd been promoted to head of licensing and I'm now working one day a week alongside the PCCs office developing further licensing opportunities through the devolution process.
I cannot begin to describe how much better my Council is as an employer than the police were. My opinions are valued, my ideas are encouraged, I have the freedom to make decisions and change working practices and, although we've been through a period of unprecedented cuts, I've been allowed to run my department more like a business so that we don't actually cost the council tax payer a penny.
My health has improved, my relationships with my family are better than they've ever been and I'm happier in my career than I ever was in the police.
My salary has now overtaken my police salary and I have a couple of little side-lines which bring in a little pocket money as well.
OP, look for opportunities within enforcement & compliance departments in local authorities close to you. You should also look at NHS jobs for junior management roles, and schools who are looking for inclusion managers, safeguarding leads etc. There are loads of opportunities out there and employers will be very keen to meet you. You don't think that the skills you've developed in the police are relevant, but believe me, they are - you can talk to people, deal sensitively with problems and work out solutions to issues quickly and effectively.
Click through my username and visit my website - drop me an email through the site & I'll happily share more details on how you can find a suitable new job & get out of the police!
wiliferus said:
Not necessarily. The op sounds like a carbon copy of me. Joined very young (19) so am 37 years old with 18 years service. When the pension changes came in I missed out on any protection, so to get my full pension instead of 12 years to go I have 22 years to do, as now have to work until I'm 60. And it's not longer a final salary pension, it's a CARE scheme, so I'll get less.
Hi there, on nights hence late reply.I just wanted to add to this. I joined at 19 and signed up to the old 2/3s pension scheme, which at the time was a huge part of my future planning, an expectation and something we were all promised as a condition of employment. Like wiliferus, that contract has been ripped up and thrown away and I am now on the new CARE scheme, whatever that is. It means I have to work an extra 11 years minimum, possibly an extra 16 years. In that time time I will also have to pay in a lot more each month to the pension and at the end I will get out a lot less. That would take me to 46 years service before I hit 65. I could go earlier but with huge financial penalty.
Of course, because of my age and the fact I am not "tapered" I will be working alongside people doing the exact same role as myself who will still enjoy the full pension entitlement I have lost, purely down to my age. Luckily Leigh Day have taken the legal battle on on behalf of thousands of police officers, and within 4 to 5 years we will see whether or not that pays off. Either way it is typical of the job, making rash decisions without thinking, treating people vastly differently for the wrong reasons, and in the process seriously upsetting an awful lot of officers. Myself and a colleague recently worked out the real terms financial loss from retirement to death on the presumption of living until 75, and with the reduction of commutation payout, the reduction on pension and the increase in contributions over the rest of our career, it worked out to be about £400'000 loss per officer. You can imagine the knock on effect that alone has on motivation and morale of officers.
As for promotion, don't bother. Firstly there isn't any at the moment, secondly the job have strict quota's to fulfill in regards to this. Positive discrimination is the name of the game here and it is based on whatever the latest government fad is, nearly always that the job MUST increase the amount of diverse ethnic backgrounds in supervisory roles. There are others such as being female, having a disability etc. Aside form all that, promotion in the police is pretty pointless as there is little financial gain and often loss. A Sargeant is on little more than a top rate PC, in fact a new Sargeant is on less. There is only a few grand a year difference in total, and when you consider the years of jumping through hoops you have to go through to get the rank as well as the upheaval of getting it and being moved to where your needed, there is very little incentive. After a load more years of hassle you may reach Inspector level where you then lose overtime, and will be paid less than constables who do a fair bit of overtime. Yes overtime at the moment is restricted but not everywhere and there are some roles that if you really want the money, you can go and earn it. But only as a PC / PS. Anything else and your salaried. I know a fair few PC's in various roles, some quite easy to get into, who are earning eye watering amounts of money by being at work for a fair bit of time, standing on a porch or a door.
As for all the other replies thank you so much, I have read them all through and am encouraged by them particularly the last one above. I am going to benchmark this thread and use it to develop a strategic plan of action.
A lot of it is the fear of disrupting the apple cart of life so to speak, but, it's something I know feel ready to take action on.
A lot of it is the fear of disrupting the apple cart of life so to speak, but, it's something I know feel ready to take action on.
OP, have you thought about the railway?
djc206 said:
My dad retired from Sussex police in 2009/2010 I think. He was an Inspector in traffic with previous experience in driver training, accident investigation and firearms. After he left he found a job at Brighton and Hove Council in their traffic planning department which was a bit of a slog and not as well paid as the police but with much better hours, no being on call etc. He went in at a reasonable managerial level obviously having run a traffic base very well suited to people management. He now works as a transportation consultant in the UAE, the money is superb, the job not so much as the locals like to pay for the best advice and then ignore it but he gets paid either way. He works with a huge number of former police officers and I know that within the UAE forces they have quite a few ex plod consultants from the UK.
From my dads experience I'd say looking within the public sector you will probably find many jobs that although not outwardly appearing suitable to you, you would be very suited to. Stable pay, hours etc being a bonus.
I wish you luck, it's a sad state of affairs that hard working dedicated people feel the way you do about policing given how well regarded the profession was years ago.
What's the surname? My dad retired from Sussex traffic in 2006 (I think); he was on traffic for much of his career. You can guess our surname! From my dads experience I'd say looking within the public sector you will probably find many jobs that although not outwardly appearing suitable to you, you would be very suited to. Stable pay, hours etc being a bonus.
I wish you luck, it's a sad state of affairs that hard working dedicated people feel the way you do about policing given how well regarded the profession was years ago.
Very interesting topic, I'm currently 10 months into an 18 month career break and think it pretty unlikely I'll return. Quite simply the last year I worked almost destroyed me psychologically, after a recent reorganisation our department started running vastly understaffed and with incredible amounts of risk to manage every shift...
Finding alternatives is difficult, pay is a big factor as after 12 years (Nearly on top pay, thanks increment freeze!) the salary is pretty good. And with a busy, risky department overtime was virtually unlimited (despite really not wanting it most of the time!)
On the upside last year's overtime has paid for me to be abroad for 10 months and to get a decent English teaching qualification. What the long term holds I don't know...
Finding alternatives is difficult, pay is a big factor as after 12 years (Nearly on top pay, thanks increment freeze!) the salary is pretty good. And with a busy, risky department overtime was virtually unlimited (despite really not wanting it most of the time!)
On the upside last year's overtime has paid for me to be abroad for 10 months and to get a decent English teaching qualification. What the long term holds I don't know...
Just my 2p worth
I joined the job at 16 as a cadet and then a regular PC at 18, im now 28. About 2/3 years ago I was struggling to cope with all the negative aspects of the job, lack of resources, low morale, pension changes, poor senior management. I contimplated leaving however considered myself fairly limited given I had no trade or degree etc to fall back on. Also, seeing a few friends (with degrees and trades) struggling to get a job showed me how tough the market can be at the moment.
Decided instead to get a move back to the front line shift (I was in an office based role) to get back to doing what I joined for. Yes it can be the most challenging role and yes, you do get treated fairly badly by the bosses but, I loved being back out and about doing the emergency jobs. I love the shift banter and the fact you all muck in together and have a great bond as a shift. It helped that I went from an office full of negative folk to a younger shift who were still keen and actually enjoyed coming to work. The positive move meant I concentrated on getting an acting rank and then a promotion within 12 months of grafting hard.
Currently still on response and to be honest, its the happiest ive been in my service. If there is an oppourtunity to change jobs into something you like or you are interested in trying then id recommend it. Even a transfer of force or division might be an option. It worked for me.
I joined the job at 16 as a cadet and then a regular PC at 18, im now 28. About 2/3 years ago I was struggling to cope with all the negative aspects of the job, lack of resources, low morale, pension changes, poor senior management. I contimplated leaving however considered myself fairly limited given I had no trade or degree etc to fall back on. Also, seeing a few friends (with degrees and trades) struggling to get a job showed me how tough the market can be at the moment.
Decided instead to get a move back to the front line shift (I was in an office based role) to get back to doing what I joined for. Yes it can be the most challenging role and yes, you do get treated fairly badly by the bosses but, I loved being back out and about doing the emergency jobs. I love the shift banter and the fact you all muck in together and have a great bond as a shift. It helped that I went from an office full of negative folk to a younger shift who were still keen and actually enjoyed coming to work. The positive move meant I concentrated on getting an acting rank and then a promotion within 12 months of grafting hard.
Currently still on response and to be honest, its the happiest ive been in my service. If there is an oppourtunity to change jobs into something you like or you are interested in trying then id recommend it. Even a transfer of force or division might be an option. It worked for me.
Interesting stuff. Sounds left field but it's exactly what I have been vaguely pondering recently. Come back on a transfer to response and see how it goes. Generally it seems that DCs coming back can rise up the pecking order very quickly.
The thought of a rural posting in my force is very tempting, the backup miles away is a bit daunting though... I'm a great talker but not much use in a scrap with a "hands like shovels" mad farmer!
The thought of a rural posting in my force is very tempting, the backup miles away is a bit daunting though... I'm a great talker but not much use in a scrap with a "hands like shovels" mad farmer!
Stedman said:
What's the surname? My dad retired from Sussex traffic in 2006 (I think); he was on traffic for much of his career. You can guess our surname!
Yes I have thought about the railway and it would be one of my first choices. From what I know though doesn't it take a fair few years to progress from guard to driver or is it not as clear cut as that?My local train line would be South West Trains or possibly GWR between Redhill and Reading.
Greenish said:
Yes I have thought about the railway and it would be one of my first choices. From what I know though doesn't it take a fair few years to progress from guard to driver or is it not as clear cut as that?
My local train line would be South West Trains or possibly GWR between Redhill and Reading.
Nope, you can do direct entry like I did. SWT were looking for trainee drivers a few weeks ago. Have a look in their website pronto! I can help as much as you want or need. Best of luckMy local train line would be South West Trains or possibly GWR between Redhill and Reading.
Have you considered an engineering apprenticeship? My employer is currently recruiting for people in the power distribution industry and doesn’t require any previous experience or knowledge. I believe reasonable GCSE grades and A levels are sufficient to apply. I went in a slightly more advanced level having already been working in the electrical industry but it’s a pretty good programme. They’ll put you through college, training courses etc.
We’ve several older ex-apprentices who joined later in their careers and a few years down the road are doing very well indeed. This may well be the crux of the matter though. The obvious downside is the low starting salary may make it totally impractical. However, once you’re trained up and out of your time, there is generally more overtime than you can shake a stick at if you want it. Whilst some of the craftsmen would probably choke on their tea if they heard me saying so, it is generally a very comfortable life, although obviously physically demanding and can involve anti-social hours (which are well rewarded).
The senior management are also very keen on people seeking advancement from being ‘on the tools’ to get in to more senior roles. As an Ex-Police officer, my instinct tells me that they’d be very keen on anyone with those sorts of skills such a communication, organisation, leadership, following instruction, dealing with the public and someone who takes adherence to policy and procedure seriously. They have a very strict stance on health and safety, so someone from a disciplined background is going to cope fine.
Anyway, here's a link
http://www.ukpowernetworkscareers.co.uk/training_p...
We’ve several older ex-apprentices who joined later in their careers and a few years down the road are doing very well indeed. This may well be the crux of the matter though. The obvious downside is the low starting salary may make it totally impractical. However, once you’re trained up and out of your time, there is generally more overtime than you can shake a stick at if you want it. Whilst some of the craftsmen would probably choke on their tea if they heard me saying so, it is generally a very comfortable life, although obviously physically demanding and can involve anti-social hours (which are well rewarded).
The senior management are also very keen on people seeking advancement from being ‘on the tools’ to get in to more senior roles. As an Ex-Police officer, my instinct tells me that they’d be very keen on anyone with those sorts of skills such a communication, organisation, leadership, following instruction, dealing with the public and someone who takes adherence to policy and procedure seriously. They have a very strict stance on health and safety, so someone from a disciplined background is going to cope fine.
Anyway, here's a link
http://www.ukpowernetworkscareers.co.uk/training_p...
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