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Former Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Certified Police Officers only - Current and Former Police Officer Packet **In addition to the above required documents, if you are an Iowa Certified Police Officer or an Out-of-State Certified ...

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Former Police Officer information

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$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do former police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for former police officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a former police officer do?

A Former Police Officer is someone who has previously served in a law enforcement role but is no longer active in that position. They may pursue careers in private security, investigations, consulting, or other related fields. Many former officers use their skills in legal work, corporate security, or training roles. Some also transition into entirely new professions based on their interests and experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a former police officer?

To thrive as a Former Police Officer transitioning into related roles, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement procedures, investigative techniques, and public safety principles, typically supported by a background in police academy training and field experience. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, report-writing software, and evidence management systems is highly valuable. Strong interpersonal communication, integrity, and problem-solving abilities help distinguish exceptional candidates in civilian or private security positions. These skills are critical for adapting police experience to new settings, ensuring effective risk management, and fostering trust in public or organizational environments.

What types of jobs are available to former police officers in the private sector?

Former Police Officers have a wide range of career opportunities in the private sector, including roles in corporate security, loss prevention, risk assessment, investigations, and consulting. Many employers value their law enforcement experience for positions that require keen judgment, regulatory compliance, and crisis management skills. In these roles, you may work independently, as part of a security team, or in collaboration with legal, HR, and executive departments. The diverse skill set developed in policing—such as conflict resolution and emergency response—translates well to managing workplace safety and asset protection. Career advancement is often possible through specialization, certifications, or taking on leadership responsibilities.

What can I do as a former police officer?

A former police officer can pursue careers in private security, corporate security, law enforcement consulting, or training roles. They often leverage their skills in investigation, crisis management, and communication, and may need to obtain relevant certifications or licenses depending on the new role.

What is a good job for a former police officer?

A former police officer can pursue careers in security, private investigation, corrections, or emergency management, leveraging their law enforcement experience. Many roles require additional certifications or training, such as security licenses or first aid certifications, and benefit from skills like communication, problem-solving, and crisis management.

What jobs can a former police officer transition to?

A former police officer can transition to roles such as security manager, private investigator, corrections officer, or loss prevention specialist, leveraging skills in law enforcement, communication, and crisis management. Many also pursue careers in cybersecurity, training, or consulting, often requiring additional certifications or training. These roles typically value experience in enforcement, problem-solving, and public safety.
More about Former Police Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Former Police Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Former Police Officer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Former Police Officer jobs?

The most popular types of Former Police Officer jobs are:

What states have the most Former Police Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Former Police Officer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Former Police Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Senior Police Officer (Certified)

City of Des Moines

Des Moines, IA

$48.48 - $52.97/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


City Of Des Moines (Iowa) rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

General Statement of Duties THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN TO CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ONLY. The City of Des Moines is seeking experienced applicants who are interested in continuing their career as a Certified Police Officer with the Des Moines Police Department. If you want to work with people from all cultures, races and economic backgrounds, and have good moral character and integrity, we welcome your application.

Current Iowa certified law enforcement officers with the appropriate sworn, post-academy experience qualify for a Police Officer lateral transfer as outlined below: No less than 400 hours of certifying basic law enforcement training school; Two years of experience as a certified Police Officer in the State of Iowa after graduating from academy without a break in service of more than 12-months from the appointment date; and 60 semester college credit hours or above with a 'C' grade average; (Additional years of experience as a certified Police Officer will offset the required education, please see the Job Description). Candidates must have a valid Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Certification in good standing. NOTE: Iowa Certified Police Officers selected for the lateral training officer program will participate in 4 to 6 weeks of knowledge, skills, and performance assessment, along with skills enhancement training.

Those who successfully complete the lateral training officer program will enter field training. Officers who are deemed less prepared for field training and solo patrol responsibilities may be required to attend the full 24-week academy. Current out-of-state certified law enforcement officers with the appropriate sworn, post-academy experience must meet the below requirements: No less than 400 hours of certifying basic law enforcement training school; Two years of experience as a Certified Police Officer after graduating from academy and without a break in service of more than 12-months from the appointment date and with the ability to become Certified with the State of Iowa within 120 days of appointment date; and 60 semester college credit hours or above with a 'C' grade average; (Additional years of experience as a Certified Police Officer will offset the required education, please see the Job Description).

NOTE: Out-of-state Certified Police Officers will attend a full 24-week academy. Use the links below for Senior Police Officer applicant testing resources: 2026 Sr. Police Officer Recruitment Packet Cooper Test Instructional Video Cooper Assessment Preparation Guide (physical fitness test) POST Study Guide (written exam) Your application must be submitted online by 4:00 p.m

on Friday, September 4, 2026. Items listed below must be attached to your online application or submitted separately to and received by Human Resources by the indicated due dates. STATE OF IOWA CERTIFIED OFFICERS - Documents required for a complete application: Proof of ILEA Certification Transcripts verifying education requirement Photocopy of driver's license Proof of U.S

Citizenship (such as a photocopy of one of the following: U.S. Birth Certificate from state or county, U.S. Passport, Certificate of Citizenship, or Naturalization Certificate) High school diploma (or other proof of high school graduation) or G.E.D

and College transcripts, if any References - names and contact information of 3 personal and 3 professional references (See attached pg. 5) Police Officer Physical Conditioning Waiver (See attached pg. 6) Authority for Release of Information - Must be notarized (See attached pg.

7) DD214 Form for military service, if any (If you are unable to submit your DD214 by please contact the City's Human Resources Department with expectation of when it will be available) DMPD Personal History Statement Certified Police Officers only - Current and Former Police Officer Packet ** All of the above documents must be legible. ** OUT-OF-STATE CERTIFIED OFFICERS - Documents required for a complete application: Proof of State Certification as a certified Police Officer AND Proof of 400 hours of certifying basic law enforcement training school (transcripts/syllabi) Transcripts verifying education requirement Photocopy of driver's license Proof of U.S. Citizenship (such as a photocopy of one of the following: U.S

Birth Certificate from state or county, U.S. Passport, Certificate of Citizenship, or Naturalization Certificate) High school diploma (or other proof of high school graduation) or G.E.D. and College transcripts, if any References - names and contact information of 3 personal and 3 professional references (See attached pg

5) Police Officer Physical Conditioning Waiver (See attached pg. 6) Authority for Release of Information - Must be notarized (See attached pg. 7) DD214 Form for military service, if any (If you are unable to submit your DD214 by please contact the City's Human Resources Department with expectation of when it will be available) Certified Police Officers only - Current and Former Police Officer Packet ** All of the above documents must be legible.

** REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE EMAILED, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED OR MAILED TO HUMAN RESOURCES. EMAIL: humanresources@dmgov.org FAX: (515) 237-1680 HAND DELIVERED OR MAILED City of Des Moines Attn: Human Resources Dept. 1200 Locust St Des Moines, IA 50309 Summary of Benefits For additional information and resources, visit the Police Department recruitment page at dsm.city/joinDMPD

Required Special Qualifications Possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Iowa or evidence of equivalent mobility; and No felony convictions or convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude; and Free of drug or alcohol addiction; and Meet minimum requirements to be a law enforcement officer consistent with Iowa Code chapter 80(B) and its administrative rules; and All appointments will be conditional upon the passage of medical, physical fitness, and psychological exams required by the State of Iowa. The medical exam includes a screening for drug use. Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only) Class Specifications | Senior Police Officer | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com)


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