By Ron Raman
Walking away from law enforcement isn’t just about retiring from a career — it’s stepping away from an identity. For many officers, policing is more than a job; it’s a calling. It shapes our routines, our purpose and our sense of self. That’s why the transition to retirement can feel overwhelming.
I know this firsthand. After nearly three decades in law enforcement, I found myself at a crossroads. I had spent years dedicated to public service, never thinking much about what life would look like beyond the badge. When the time came to retire, I wrestled with the same questions so many officers face:
- What comes next?
- Will I find the same sense of purpose?
- How do I decide what’s right for me?
I wasn’t alone in this journey. Several of my colleagues who also served long careers in law enforcement faced the same uncertainty. Now, we all find ourselves working together again — this time, in the private sector. Commander Marcy Cox, a retired leader from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Captain Lenny Nerbetski from the New Jersey State Police, and Major Mike O’Connor from the Atlanta Police Department all made similar transitions. We each found a way to apply our skills in a new setting while still supporting law enforcement in meaningful ways.
Together, we’ve learned valuable lessons about how to navigate this major life change. If you’re approaching retirement or considering your next steps, here are some key insights to help guide your decision.
Understanding the emotional shift
Doug Shoemaker, a longtime law enforcement leader, put it best: “When you put in your retirement papers, when you hand in your gun, when you hand in your badge, you also hand in your identity.”
This feeling is common. Lenny Nerbetski told me he still considers himself a trooper, even years after retiring. No matter how long we serve, law enforcement stays with us. But that doesn’t mean we can’t redefine our mission.
For many officers, the transition is about more than just finding another job — it’s about finding a way to apply their experience in a setting that still feels meaningful. That’s where careful planning comes in.
How to choose your next step
A career in law enforcement is built on service. That sense of duty doesn’t disappear when you retire—it just needs a new direction.
When I considered my next step, I asked myself a critical question: “What kind of work will allow me to keep making a difference?”
The same question guided my colleagues. We all had different reasons for choosing our next roles, but the common thread was that we wanted to continue contributing to public safety in some way. Some of us explored consulting, while others looked at leadership roles in public safety technology and corporate security. The key was finding a role that aligned with our skills and values.
As Commander Cox puts it: “Do the homework and be choosy.”
If you’re considering a transition to the private sector, take time to research potential opportunities and ask yourself:
- Does this role align with my values and skill set?
- Will I still feel a sense of purpose in this work?
- Does this organization truly make a difference?
Speaking with employees, customers and leadership at potential employers can give you insight into whether a company’s mission aligns with your own. Many officers find that their leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills are highly valued in private sector roles — they just have to find the right fit.
Aligning your next chapter with your passion
Major Mike O’Connor summed up what a successful transition feels like: “I look forward to going to work every day.”
That’s the goal. The best post-retirement careers allow you to wake up with a sense of purpose. For my colleagues and me, that meant joining a private company where we could still support law enforcement in different ways. Some officers find fulfillment in working for companies that develop technology for public safety, while others move into roles that focus on training, consulting, or policy development. The key is identifying work that continues to challenge and inspire you.
Embracing the benefits of retirement
At one point, I questioned whether I was making the right decision in retiring. Now, I look back and laugh. Retirement, when planned well, is incredible.
I found an opportunity that aligns with my passion, allows me to keep making a difference, and keeps me connected to the law enforcement community. And perhaps best of all — I get to turn my phone off at night!
If you’re nearing retirement or struggling with the decision to leave, know this: your skills, experience, and leadership still matter. Retirement isn’t about stepping away; it’s about stepping forward — into a new phase of purpose, balance, and fulfillment.
One day, after decades of serving and protecting, you may find yourself, like me, reflecting on your decision and realizing — you wouldn’t have it any other way.
About the author
Ron Raman retired as Chief of Police from the San Pablo (California) Police Department in December 2023. He is currently a Public Safety Executive at Peregrine.
| NEXT: Transitioning into retirement from law enforcement? It’s more than a career change — it’s a life transformation. In the video below, Gordon Graham offers tips on emotionally preparing for this new chapter.