Beyond the Badge is an Australian not-for-profit career-transition program for police officers and other first responders who are considering leaving, are in the process of leaving, or have already left their service.
It is run by former first responders who understand that leaving policing can involve more than simply finding another job. Officers may struggle to recognise how their policing experience translates into civilian employment, lose confidence after injury or medical retirement, or feel uncertain about their identity and future direction.
The program helps participants:
- identify transferable skills gained through policing
- translate police duties into language understood by civilian employers
- prepare or improve résumés and job applications
- create a professional LinkedIn profile and network
- practise interviews, including difficult questions about leaving policing
- explore suitable careers in government, business and community organisations
- rebuild confidence and develop a new sense of purpose
- receive continuing mentoring and employment support.
Current programs are generally delivered as a two-day face-to-face or online course, sometimes followed by an online third-day or follow-up session. They are open not only to police, but also to other first responders and, at some locations, military veterans.
In simple terms, it helps officers understand that they are more than the badge they wore, and that skills such as leadership, investigation, communication, crisis management, decision-making and resilience are valuable in many other careers.
NSW Police also features Beyond the Badge within its career-transition information and employer-perspective resources for former officers.