Resuming Law Enforcement Careers After Resignation: Possibilities and Requirements

Many people wonder if a former police officer can resume a law enforcement career after resigning from a previous one. The short answer is yes, they can often be rehired by other departments, much like fired truck drivers, teachers, or employees in other fields can find new positions.

Resuming Duty in Law Enforcement

My Personal Experience: I, for example, began my law enforcement career at the Denton County Texas Sheriff’s Office in 1987. After an impressive 35 years, I am now retired. However, my passion for the community and my desire to continue my service led me to rejoin the department as an unpaid reserve deputy.

As I mentioned in my letter of appreciation to Sheriff Murphrey, it is wonderful to return to where I started my journey.

Common Practices in Law Enforcement Career Transitions

Having multiple law enforcement careers is not uncommon. Officers often make transitions, sometimes even moving to better-paying agencies. This practice is widespread and reflects the dynamic nature of law enforcement careers.

Clarifying Resignations: Many resignations are purely voluntary, allowing officers to maintain their credentials and potentially move to another department.

Consequences of Missteps

While it is common to see officers resign in order to start a new position, situations can arise where more serious issues lead to firings. However, even officers who have been fired can still find employment in other departments.

Examples from My Experience: During my time with the LAPD, there were several officers who faced situations leading to possible termination, but instead, they resigned. This voluntary leaving of the position preserved their pensions and allowed them to apply to other departments.

Requirements for Reemployment

For both resignations and firings, specific requirements must be met to ensure reemployment is possible. For instance, as long as the resignation was not in lieu of termination or for other matters that would prohibit employment at another agency, reemployment can generally be achieved.

Retention of Credentials: If the commission is not revoked for cause, the officer retains their credentials for a period specified by law. During this time, they are eligible for reemployment.

Review Process

However, it is important to note that certain factors such as being offered the chance to resign due to poor performance or misconduct may impact reemployment opportunities. In such cases, a polygraph test may be required to verify the explanation for the resignation.

For detailed inquiries, reaching out to the relevant law enforcement agencies and understanding the specific requirements of each state is crucial.