There are lots of reasons that can result in someone saying: “I don't want to be a police officer anymore.”
Long, unsociable hours. Never-ending shifts. A work-life balance that’s hard to find. It’s a tough role – physically demanding and sometimes dangerous. Plus there's a lot to learn when you first start.
But policing can be extremely rewarding too, it’s a varied and interesting career – with many people staying on past retirement or rejoining as police staff. And there’s support available to help police officers start getting the most out of their work again.
Why did you start? What’s changed?
Most officers start with a purpose – to protect, to serve, to make a difference. But over time, the demands of the job can get in the way. Without the right support, it’s easy to lose sight of why you joined.
That’s where we come in, the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS). We offer support for everyone who works in policing, including those who are weighing up their future in the force.
Don’t want to be a police officer anymore? Find support
Whatever’s causing you to feel like you don’t want to be a police officer anymore, we’re here to help. We offer a range of resources, both online and in person, to help you deal with the pressures of the job and rediscover why you joined.
Here are a few places to start:
Watch our short film Purpose
Our powerful short film Purpose is essential viewing for anyone thinking “I don’t want to be a police officer anymore.” Based on real-life experiences, the film follows an officer who’s losing sight of why they joined.
Speak to someone
Talking about your experiences, good or bad, can help you process your thoughts and make sense of how you’re feeling. If you're relatively new in service, talking to someone with a few more years under their belt may give you a different perspective.
Our peer support network connects you with a colleague who’s got shared experiences.
- Get support and start the conversation (you'll need to scroll down to the ‘seeking peer support’ section).
Take care of your wellbeing
Feeling physically and mentally well can make a big difference to how you feel about your job.
- Struggling with sleep and shift work? Try our Better Sleep Toolkit
- Eating right isn’t always easy in policing – get straightforward nutrition tips and easy recipes.
- Feel fitter for the job – get moving more with motivational videos and easy-to-follow fitness routines.
Build resilience
Policing is tough. These resilience webinars can help you face the challenges of the job head on and build coping strategies that last.
Support for home life
In policing, the job rarely ends once you clock off. Shift work, traumatic experiences and fatigue can all affect life at home.
Explore even more resources and support
Still don’t want to be a police officer?
If a career change feels right for you, that’s ok. And we’re here to support you.
From reflecting on the range of emotions you might experience to pulling together an impressive CV, we can help you prepare for leaving the police and moving on to the next chapter of your life.
Explore the resources and make the transition as smooth as possible.