Explore how your federal experience as a Police (GS-0083) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Security Officer, Loss Prevention Associate, Safety Coordinator | Monitor and secure premises, ensuring safety protocols are followed; respond to incidents and emergencies; assist in visitor and employee safety measures. | $30,000 - $45,000 |
| 5-7 | Security Supervisor, Safety Manager, Compliance Officer | Oversee security personnel, manage safety compliance; develop and implement security protocols; conduct investigations and analyze incidents to improve safety measures. | $45,000 - $70,000 |
| 8-9 | Security Operations Manager, Risk Management Director, Corporate Investigator | Direct security operations, develop risk assessment strategies; work with legal teams for investigations; ensure compliance with corporate policies and standards. | $70,000 - $95,000 |
| 10-11 | Director of Security, Chief of Safety, Security Program Manager | Lead security initiatives across the organization, establish security strategy and policy; manage budgets and allocate resources for security programs; liaise with law enforcement and emergency services. | $95,000 - $130,000 |
| 12-13 | Vice President of Security, Regional Security Director, Corporate Risk Officer | Design and implement comprehensive security programs for multiple locations; lead crisis management initiatives; serve as the primary point of contact for security-related matters at the executive level. | $130,000 - $180,000 |
| 14-15 | Chief Security Officer (CSO), Director of Corporate Security, Global Risk Management Executive | Set security vision and direction for the organization; ensure alignment of security policies with corporate objectives; lead cross-functional teams in security initiatives and emergency preparedness. | $180,000 - $250,000 |
| SES | Executive Vice President of Global Security, Senior Vice President of Risk Management, Chief Safety and Security Executive | Drive the overall security and risk strategy for the organization; engage with the board on security governance issues; represent corporate security in external relations and partnerships. | $250,000 - $400,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Police Officer Certification (State Level)
Obtaining a State Police Officer Certification is essential for those looking to transition to civilian law enforcement roles. This certification validates competencies in areas like criminal law and public safety that are directly applicable in civilian policing environments.
Physical Security Professional (PSP)
The Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification equips individuals with the knowledge of physical security assessments, application, and integration of physical security systems, and implementation of security measures. This credential is highly regarded in both law enforcement and corporate security sectors, making it advantageous for police officers moving into security management positions.
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credential underscores a professional’s understanding of security management as a whole, including risk management and crisis response. Given that many former police officers take roles in corporate security management, this certification highlights a readiness for increased responsibility in civilian roles.
Crisis Negotiation Certification
Crisis Negotiation Certifications provide specialized training in de-escalation techniques and communication strategies under high-stress situations, a valuable asset in both law enforcement and private sector roles. This skill set is increasingly sought after as businesses prioritize conflict resolution and negotiation in their workplace security protocols.
Emergency Management Certification
Emergency Management Certifications validate skills in preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of emergencies, paralleling the experiences gained in the GS-0083 series. Knowledge in this area is particularly beneficial for transitioning into roles focused on security and safety planning within organizations.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation Certification
This certification emphasizes essential skills in resolving disputes amicably and effectively, which is crucial for both police work and civilian roles that involve stakeholder engagement or team management. As organizations strive for positive workplace culture, these skills provide an edge over other candidates.
Leadership and Management Certification
Achieving a Leadership and Management Certification can bolster a police officer's ability to manage teams and lead initiatives, a transition that reflects the supervisory roles often assumed in civilian employment. This training enhances strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, positioning former officers as effective leaders in various sectors.
Forensic Science Certification
A Forensic Science Certification equips candidates with critical knowledge about crime scene investigation and evidence handling, skills that can be pivotal in private sector crime scene and security consulting roles. This knowledge is highly transferable to a variety of industries focusing on risk management and compliance.
Cybersecurity Awareness Certification
With the rise of cyber threats, a Cybersecurity Awareness Certification equips individuals with foundational knowledge in protecting sensitive information, a skill increasingly valued in law enforcement and corporate environments alike. This certification enables transitioning officers to engage in cyber-related investigations or security functions.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0083 Police role to a private sector job can be an exciting yet challenging journey. It’s important to acknowledge the value and unique experiences you bring with you as you approach this change. Here’s some comprehensive advice on making this transition successfully, covering mindset shifts, resume and interview tips, networking strategies, and translating your federal experience into private sector terms.
Embrace Change: A successful transition to the private sector requires you to break free from any preconceived notions you might have about leaving the federal landscape behind. Understand that the private sector offers diverse opportunities and environments. Be open to exploring different roles that can benefit from your skills.
Recognize Your Value: As a police officer, you have developed skills that are highly valued in many private sector roles, including crisis management, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. The ability to stay calm under pressure, work in a team, and adhere to strict regulations all translate well into many industries.
Adaptability is Key: The private sector can offer different operational methods, workplace cultures, and hierarchies. Make sure you are willing to adapt to these new environments and be prepared for unstructured scenarios, which are often less defined than the federal workplace.
Tailor Your Resume: Start by paring down your federal resume to emphasize relevant skills and experience. Focus on quantifiable achievements rather than responsibilities. For example, instead of stating that you "managed community policing programs," consider saying, "Developed and implemented community policing programs that resulted in a 30% reduction in local crime rates."
Use Private Sector Language: Translate federal terminology into terms that resonate in the private sector. For instance, replace "federal regulations" with "industry standards" and "department policies" with "corporate policies."
Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight skills that are relevant to the private sector, such as risk assessment, compliance knowledge, data analysis, and customer service. Create a skills section that showcases these competencies clearly.
Keep it Concise: Limit your resume to one or two pages, making sure that every statement adds value. Avoid jargon that may not be understood outside of law enforcement, and be precise with your wording.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Many private sector interviews focus on behavioral questions to understand how you handle specific situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly. For example, explain a time when you defused a situation using teamwork.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Talk about your roles in leadership, even if they were informal. Employers in the private sector value strong leaders. Discuss scenarios where you took charge during a high-stress incident or trained new recruits.
Discuss Flexibility and Innovation: Demonstrate your willingness to adapt and innovate in challenging situations. Many companies are looking for problem solvers who can think outside the box, so provide examples that highlight your creativity and resourcefulness.
Know the Company: Research the company you are interviewing with. Understand their products, services, culture, and challenges. Use this knowledge to relate your experiences directly to their needs during the interview.
Leverage LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your civilian aspirations. Connect with fellow law enforcement officers who have transitioned into the private sector and seek their advice. Follow companies of interest to stay updated on job postings and industry trends.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in job fairs, networking events, and seminars related to your desired industry. These events are great for connecting with potential employers and learning more about various companies.
Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of industry-related organizations that align with your career goals. Many of these organizations offer resources, mentorship programs, and job boards available only to members.
Tap Into Existing Connections: Reach out to former colleagues and supervisors who may have transitioned into the private sector themselves. Ask for informational interviews to gain insights into their experiences and advice on making the shift.
Identify Keywords: Review job descriptions in the private sector that interest you and identify common keywords. Integrate these keywords into your resume and throughout your conversations.
Reframe Your Achievements: For example, instead of saying you "conducted investigations," you can say you "led comprehensive investigations to identify and mitigate risks." This focuses on a proactive approach valued in many private sector roles.
Focus on Results: Emphasize the outcomes of your actions rather than just the actions themselves. Describe the impact of your initiatives on the community and how they can apply in the corporate world.
Continuous Learning: Consider taking courses or certifications relevant to your desired field. This not only enhances your knowledge but also demonstrates your commitment to adapting and learning new skills.
Transitioning from a GS-0083 Police role to the private sector can open many exciting doors. Embrace the changes, leverage your unique experiences, and communicate effectively to highlight your strengths. Your skills are not only transferable but also essential to many industries. With the right preparation and mindset, you can successfully navigate your transition and thrive in your new career!