NCJ Number
80309
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 48 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1981) Pages: 36-42
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Articles by seven individuals who retired from management positions in police departments, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the military discuss preretirement planning and career changes following retirement.
Abstract
A retired captain from the New York City Police Department emphasizes that obtaining a college education is an important part of preretirement planning and particularly recommends courses in management, administration, and personnel supervision. He also offers suggestions for keeping the retired police active, motivated, and challenged. Because many police officers become bored quickly with retirement, a former member of the Chicago Police Department who currently teaches in a university outlines a plan for officers who are contemplating a second career after retirement. Goals of retirement should be analyzed, necessary skills acquired, and the financial realities of pensions examined. If possible, a police officer should seek part-time employment in a second career area before retiring. The next comment from a police officer with a variety of experience in law enforcement agencies addresses personal factors that an individual should consider before deciding to retire as well as financial considerations and job satisfaction. A retired FBI official who now works for a private security organization discusses the decision to pursue a second career, including suggestions on evaluating a prospective employer. A colonel in the U.S. Army describes his reasons for retiring and then presents practical guidelines for persons who are planning second careers. He strongly recommends that an individual have a job commitment before retiring and consult with family members on the retirement plan. Another perspective comes from a retired FBI official who was elected to a small town council and placed in charge of its five-man police department. Finally, a retired New York City police officer who is now a parole commissioner comments on the skills and training in problemsolving and decisionmaking that police work provides which become valuable assets in seeking second careers. He also believes that higher education is extremely important. Photographs and biographical sketches of the authors are provided.