Missing Link in Police Education - Retirement Counseling (From Stress and Police Personnel, P 314-318, 1981, Leonard Territo and Harold J Vetter, ed. - See NCJ-76602)

• NCJ Number: 76610
• Author(s): K E Johnson
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: Allyn and Bacon, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. From FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, June 1978, p 28-31.

Annotation

The need for retirement counseling for police officers is discussed, followed by guidelines for establishing a career guidance program.

Abstract

Although police training programs have improved considerably in recent years, they still neglect the special problems faced by retired police officers. Most officers are eligible for retirement when they are between 43 and 48 years old, the prime of working life for many American males. The effects of retirement can be traumatic and even fatal, and police departments have a responsibility to help their personnel plan for the future. A healthy normal turnover in an agency helps both individuals and the organization to continue growth in ideas and interests. A counseling program which assists employees to prepare for a second career also enables them to cope with changes in their organization. An individual responsible for career guidance would begin by identifying officers' professional growth throughout their police careers. About 5 years before the time of retirement, the counselor should help officers explore and choose second career options. The training division is responsible for preparing employees for another vocation through in-house programs or community-based educational services. The wife should be included in planning for retirement, particularly when officers retire at an early age. A career guidance program can channel valuable human resources into useful endeavors and boost morale of the mid-tenure officer by offering a practical service. The article contains seven references.