NCJ Number
167905
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 65 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1996) Pages: 6-11
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses retirement issues for police officers and how police agencies can help officers prepare for retirement.
Abstract
Three central factors -- career challenges, finances, and the psychological effects of withdrawal -- play a crucial role in determining an officer's relationship with the department as the prospect of retirement approaches. Maintaining career challenges encourages job satisfaction and prevents frustration. As officers approach retirement age, agencies should encourage them to pursue opportunities outside their departments. Financial concerns may cause officers to believe they must continue to work past retirement age. Officers should be shown that options for income after retirement may even increase their income beyond their existing salary. Officers who face retirement are also psychologically affected by the loss of identity and satisfactions associated with their work. Officers should be guided in the development of a vocational identity through achievements that are possible after retirement. Police agencies can help officers prepare for retirement through career planning and counseling; financial planning; psychological support; and referral to Federal, State, local, and private agencies or organizations that offer various forms of assistance to retirees. 6 notes