Contrary to popular belief, not all former police officers automatically become security guards in the mall, there are a number of ex police jobs which can range from teaching to specialty sales and other, more interesting roles. Some former police officers return to college and earn a professional degree- look at a certain television judge who started as a policeman, became a lawyer and then later a judge. Not all police officers want to retire from the force and stay in the law enforcement area. Some may want a whole new career once they are retired. For the others, there are a number of interesting options to choose from.

There are several potential ex police jobs in the world of teaching, not only to be a cop but in other fields as well. You can become a self defense instructor, teaching others how to take care of themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. Another option is teaching the concealed carry permit classes which allows you to teach the proper and safe use of a variety of handguns.

Another possible category of ex police jobs, is in the retail arena, showing people the features of the weapons that they might be interested in buying for self defense. For many, the most obvious ex police jobs are those in the police academy, teaching others in the profession that you have just left.

In addition to teaching, you can also use your knowledge and abilities to help people make choices that can protect their homes, their families or their business. You can be the consultant for a security firm, showing people what security tools and systems they need for their best coverage. You can also tell people from your experiences how most crooks gain access to their homes, their cars or to their person.

Of course, there is the potential to work as a security guard at malls and businesses which can be a way to still perform some of the same duties with far less danger. Some ex police jobs can be found in schools or colleges around the country, performing the security details on the campuses so that the students can be safer.

In addition to the most obvious of former police jobs, there is the chance to become a writer, either writing articles about being a police officer, a journalist covering this topic or even more creatively, a novelist basing story ideas on things you seen while in the force. There are a number of creative outlets that can be perfect for the former cop, keeping them informed, allowing them to earn a living but still letting them retire.

Articles are often needed for police themed publications with some of them restricted to only active or retired police officers.