Overview
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Police-road-Trip-765jpg-1024x683.jpg)
Transitioning from a career in policing brings challenges which may impact both the officer and their family members. This is why it’s important to seek out support and services to assist with making the move to civilian life.
Working in vocations such as policing is often described as a calling and with this comes a unique lifestyle for those who serve. Transitioning from police work into the next phase of life may include aspects of mental and physical health that are best addressed at the time of transition.
From the moment you walk through the academy gates life begins to change as you assimilate into the demands and expectations of serving the community and upholding the oath of office. During your career you have many decisions made on your behalf such as rosters, meal breaks, annual leave and uniform requirements. When these decisions are no longer part of your routine it can take time to adjust.
There are also expectations of maintaining a long career where job satisfaction, transfers into specialist areas and promotions develop as a natural progression. However things don’t always work out the way we plan with injuries and disappointments with management or entitlements which negatively impact career progression.
Becoming part of the police family and feeling the pride of serving the community is why it’s so difficult to consider leaving whether it’s due to an injury, ill health, family commitments or to pursue a new career. Policing has it’s own unique culture and moving away from what you know brings with it a sense of loss and sometimes grief due to a loss of identity and questions regarding who am I now and what is my purpose. These issues need to be addressed as suppressing negative experiences and thoughts may lead to further distress.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_0155-1-1024x507.jpg)
The many friendships forged throughout your career is not only based on comradery but also through lived experience, some good and some traumatic. The bond created at stations and through working relationships can be missed when transitioning out. Maintaining friendships and staying connected is vitally important to moving on with your life and embracing the new.
Taking control and responsibility for the next phase post policing will assist with feeling empowered. It is now time to take the reins!
Tips for a positive transition:
- Speak to former police who have a lived experience of transition
- Seek support from family, colleagues and friends
- Build a network of like minded people and meet regularly
- Take a break to rest and replenish before moving into a new career
- Apply to your command for your SAP record or service history
- Make arrangements to be presented with your Service Record and outstanding Medals
- Find a counsellor who understands police culture and engage in career transition counselling
- Attend a residential trauma program to deal with unresolved trauma
- Become an associate member of your Police Union
- Join your local Retired and Former Police Association
- Stay in touch with Police Legacy
- Find a former police Facebook page or group to stay engaged with others
- Attend meetings and events to stay connected tot he Police Family
- Seek career confidence and transition services and consider new and exciting roles based on transferable skills
- Write a resume and apply for new roles
- Seek out charities and offer your time
- Exercise at least 4 times a week and follow a healthy eating plan
Step-By-Step
Seek support for unresolved trauma
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_4236.jpg)
* Find a counsellor who specialises in career transition, unresolved trauma and police culture
* Attend a residential trauma recovery program to begin your healing journey
* Attend a career transition course to understand your transferrable skills
* Write a resume
* Seek assistance with job applications via recruitment agencies
* Open a linkedin account and start networking
Content for transitioning and former officers
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ACT-Curious-1-300x107.jpg)
ACT Curious
Since 2007 ACT Curious has changed the lives of thousands of Australians through Employee Assistance Programs and therapeutic counselling grounded in evidence based practices.
We have the depth and breadth of experienced therapists who specialise in treating vicarious trauma, PTSD, relationship issues and many other issues. We listen to you and we match you with a therapist who specialises in your area of need which includes police and their family members.
![AFPA](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/AFPA.png)
AFPA: The Australian Federal Police Association
All Australian Police jurisdictions have Police Unions who provide Industrial Relations, Financial and in some state’s welfare and mental health support and services. Assistance for issues relating to workers compensation, legal matters, necessitous circumstances, and career transition may also be available through your state union. Associate membership for former officers is another way to stay connected to support and services post policing.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AMC-1-300x246.png)
AMC Change Factor (S.A and online nationally)
AMC provides a multidisciplinary holistic approach to supplying services such as mental health management via counselling and case management for individuals, families and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, stress management, grief and loss, problem solving, alcohol and drugs and dealing with conflict. Youth Mental Health Services are also available.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/afp-logo-300x152.jpg)
Australian Federal Police
Each individual state police jurisdictions will have mental health services for serving police which should include an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with other specific services. This may include EAP for transitioning police, former police up to 12 months and services for families. Career Transition services may also be included in some jurisdictions as moving into a new career after serving in the police force impacts mental health outcomes.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/beach-300x171.png)
BeachShack Breathing - Yoga and Breath Practice for Serving and Former Police Based in Wollongong NSW
Kate Kilby is a former police officer and yoga teacher based in Wollongong, NSW offering breathing and yoga practice to assist serving and former police to find peace, recovery and hope.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/benevolent-logo-300x61.png)
Benevolent society
At The Benevolent Society, we put people first and work together as one to meet our vision of a just society where all Australians can live their best life.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/beyond-the-badge-logo-1.png)
Beyond the Badge Career Transition Program
An independent culturally aware career transition program with corporate partners who support first responders through the transition process. Based in NSW, programs are funded by corporate sponsors to allow serving or former police to attend without the worry of financial burden. Programs generally run for 3 days and cover transferable skills, resume, networking, navigating job platforms and the application and interview process.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BLUEHUB@2x-100-300x157.jpg)
Blue Hub
Provided by TPAV, this streamlined mental health service supports and assists serving Victorian police and Victorian based AFP members. Services include culturally sensitive assessment and treatment options for those dealing with trauma related conditions provided by evidenced based clinicians to assist with Workcover and return to work options.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Bluespace-300x44.png)
Blue Space (Victoria)
Mental health, resilience, relationship, and wellbeing information via website resources for Victorian Police employees, families, and friends.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Code-9-logo-300x300.png)
Code 9 Foundation
Code 9 is a peer-to-peer support group run by volunteers assisting serving and former police and their families who are living with mental health challenges.
![Comcare logo](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/COVID-Hub-Graphics5-300x200.webp)
Comcare
Serving police in each state pay into individual state insurance, workers compensation, superannuation and income protection schemes. Assistance during times of injury, Illness, death, or career transition are available by contacting your appropriate state provider.
![Doing it tough logo](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doing-it-tough.png)
Doing it Tough
Doing it Tough? makes it easier for men to find what they are looking for – whether services,
resources and other support in their local community, or in extended networks, or via preferred
organisations. Individuals are able to search the platform via various filters that fit their needs
including cultural, location, age, and industry profiles.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/themes/wordpress-theme-bluehub/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Dr Jane Cooper - Clinical Psychologist
With a PhD in Clinical Psychology, Dr Cooper has experience working with clients with a wide range of psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She also has experience treating individuals who are experiencing stress, either in their work or home lives - or both.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Due-South-Logo_90px.webp)
Due South
Due South is a free wellness initiative for veterans and first responders, providing a unique space to recharge, reconnect, and focus on wellbeing in tranquil, natural settings in Tasmania.