Police officers have a particular set of duties, but they are not solely tasked with the one gun and baton-carrying set of responsibilities. Like people in many other lines of work, police officers like to supplement their income. Sometimes they can take extra shifts or work detail, but they may not always want to be tied to their day (or night) job.
If you are on the force but are looking to do something on the side for some extra cash and have spare time, then we have done the research in compiling this helpful list of 21 side job business ideas for you.
How to Make Money as a Police Officer
1. Ridesharing
Since police officers are always patrolling in their vehicles, their ability to drive is part of their training and regular responsibility. Possessing quality driving abilities can enable them to be Uber or Lyft drivers in their spare time. This is a great side business since it can be done between shifts, though it does require that the off-duty officer owns a car that is in good working condition.
2. Parole Officer
People who have been released from prison due to good behavior are put on parole or a conditional release. During that time, they need help reintegrating back into society, and who better to help than an officer of the law? A police officer is a civil servant highly experienced in the law and its implementation can help the parole get back into the swings of society, even if the person happens to be experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
3. Intelligence Analyst
Part of being a police officer and a detective is gathering information, which is why a cop (former or current) is a perfect fit for an intelligence analyst position. By leveraging their investigative experience, off-duty and even retired police officers can utilize this business idea for additional cash. It is typically done as contracting work, which means that even an active officer can work this side business for as few or as many hours as they have to spare.
4. Security Blog Runner
Police officers can leverage their security knowledge to run a blog about various tips and tricks associated with security. Those still active in the service can perform this as a part-time duty. There is an inherent advantage of this business idea is that there are no niche research issues. The blog can be monetized via ads (through Google AdSense) or selling security products via affiliate marketing.
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5. YouTube Channel
Having a YouTube channel is the video version of a blog, just with videos being made rather than text being written. Not everyone is comfortable being in front of a camera, but having a YouTube channel is a great option for those who are. Similar to a blog, the YouTube channel would be centered on providing security tips. The channel can be monetarily leveraged with ad revenue from ads airing during the videos, as well as the promotion of products with affiliate links from sites that sell them, including Amazon.
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6. Crime Scene Investigation
While many people conflate the two, police officers and crime scene investigators perform different jobs. Police are tasked with maintaining peace and order, as well as assisting citizens in need, while crime scene investigators are responsible for visiting crime scenes and gathering evidence. A crime scene investigator’s job includes the collection of fingerprints, stray fibers, and body fluid, as well as the diligent assurance that the evidence is maintained without being compromised or lost.
Being a crime scene investigator entails the need for basic videography and photography skills since it is often necessary to photograph or record the contents of a crime scene, and document the collection to validate claims and findings of a subsequent investigation.
7. Bounty Hunter
Every community will play host to at least a handful of nefarious actors, which provides police officers another opportunity for additional work. Many of them have been incarcerated and are out on bail. Some of those violate the terms of bail (bail-breakers), and bounty hunters are responsible for tracking them down, with financial compensation awarded for successful retrieval. This is not an easy job.
The people who skip bail are usually looking to evade justice, so it takes a strong, brave, and determined police officer to take on the responsibility of tracking them down and bringing them in. Needless to say, they rarely come willingly, so your personal welfare is at stake when side-hustling as a bounty hunter.
8. Police Consultant
Police officers can utilize their experiences on the force to earn additional compensation by offering their knowledge as consulting to others. This is a very common gig taken up by retired personnel from the force, but even those that are not can also contribute in this capacity. Police consultants are there to advise police departments in terms of bolstering efficiency, as well as optimizing performance, reviewing ethics codes, and so on. This role entails a lot of fieldwork, which means that interpersonal skills and being able to confer with any type of person are essential.
9. Defensive Firearms Training
There is no disputing that the majority of individuals are more concerned with their personal security and, as a result, they acquire firearms. Since police officers are trained in firearm handling and safety as part of their jobs, they are a natural fit to train others through various offered training. It is important to note, however, that experience on the force is not sufficient for defensive firearm training, as the administrator will need to be separately licensed for it.
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10. Security Guard
One of the most obvious side business ideas for police officers is working security. Working officers can only do security detail part-time, of course, though retired officers sometimes transition into this as a full-time role. Tasked with property and asset protection, security guards are most effective when they bring prior experience to the role.
The job requires the need to note daily (or nightly) reports, move around on patrol, and, when necessary, apprehend violators. Security detail can span a wide range of avenues including the monitoring of buildings, staff, events, securing merchandise, etc.
11. Loss Prevention Specialists
Attention to detail is a very important aspect of police work. Those who are especially proficient in that arena have a great opportunity to serve as loss prevention specialists. This job entails working with businesses to identify any type of loss, be it financial, equipment, or property related. Additionally, if a business has experienced shoplifting, loss prevention specialists are often brought in to help investigate those cases.
12. Event Security
Part of the planning process for any event, including corporate ones, involves assuring the event’s security, especially if there are high-profile individuals scheduled to attend. This requires the knowledge and training needed to assure a secure environment, something that police officers already possess. While security for such events is rarely relegated to a single individual, usually with teams hired for the job, the vigilance and attention of every member of the security team are imperative in this line of work.
13. Personal Trainers
Part of police training is to keep in optimal physical shape. To achieve this, police officers train and are aware of the most effective physical exercises. Since people are always looking to get in better shape, a police officer makes for a great personal trainer. When people aim to get in shape or just lose weight, it takes motivation that entails someone holding them accountable for their progress (or lack thereof).
A police officer can work with clients on an individual basis to help them get in shape while earning additional money on the side. Some police officers who leverage this gig successfully can expand their reach even further by creating a YouTube channel geared around personal fitness.
14. Victim Advocates
Strong interpersonal skills are a requirement of police officers. They are also imperative to advocating for victims. These skills enable them to offer victims emotional support, a critical aspect of victim advocacy. Victims often experience a state of shock and significant trauma after a crime, so they need moral and emotional support from an experienced individual who can offer it. The job will entail visiting the homes of clients and assisting throughout the court proceedings throughout the duration of the legal process that follows.
15. House Sitters
When people leave their homes on extensive travel, they often need someone they can trust to keep an eye on them and maintain certain things inside. As police officers are highly trusted, they make great candidates for being hired to house sit, making this a great, relatively simple side gig while they are off duty.
16. Security Agency
Of all of the potential side jobs for police officers, arguably the most lucrative is going into the security agency business. With training from active service in their skillset, police officers, especially retired from the force, can set up a security agency. Security services will be in demand by personal and corporate property owners, to guard their possessions and/or investments. It is important to note, however, that a license is required to get started in this field.
17. Peak-Time Security
A great option for supplementing a police officer’s income while not on duty is to offer their services as a security guard, especially during peak times. Security personnel earns a good sum of money, and even off-duty police officers who do this on a part-time basis can make great extra cash.
Many store owners who have experienced shoplifting, opt to secure the services of police officers during the peak times of typical shoplifting incidents. Because hiring private security in this manner is costly, there generally will only be one individual hired for the job in a particular location.
18. Bodyguard
Since police officers have to possess great attention to detail and have gone through formal training at some point in their careers, both on-duty and retired officers can leverage those skills to sell bodyguarding services. This job entails officers protecting individuals from threats while they are in public. This position does entail a licensing procedure in most situations.
Retired officers can even set up an agency where clients can engage bodyguards for their services. The people that require this type of protection will generally include high-ranking positions in various industries, celebrities, government officials, and other figures in the public eye.
19. Dog Trainers
Part of typical police training is working with K9 units. As they are experts in working with dogs, the knowledge can be turned into a profitable side business of being a dog trainer. Dog trainers are essential for most dog owners who may not be as skilled in the field, helping to reinforce good behavior in dogs.
Police officers can advertise the service through online ads. It is important to keep in mind that there is a lot of demand for dog training and it does take time. This job is therefore better suited as a source of income for currently retired members of the police force.
20. Bartending
For police officers who enjoy putting in long hours, bartending may be a lucrative side gig. At pubs, hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs, bartenders prepare beverages. As is common with most alcohol-serving establishments, there is sometimes friction between patrons, and fights might break out. A bartender who is an experienced police officer will help assist in the de-escalation of the situation.
Police officers will be able to perform this work effectively thanks to their legal expertise, familiarity with safety procedures, and interpersonal skills. But let’s not forget being able to understand mixology and be able to craft great beverages for the clientele. This may necessitate attendance and certification in a bartending course.
21. Private Investigation (PI)
Those on the police force are quite often familiar with the process of scoping out a scene of interest from their car with binoculars to monitor any pertinent activities. Not coincidentally, this is a large part of the job of a private investigator. The work of a PI can be tiring and tedious, often requiring the research through various files, vehicle registrations, and even following individuals to a point that borders on stalking, to find out information that the hiring client is looking for.
The great thing about this gig, however, is that off-duty or retired police personnel can make their own schedules and work at their desired hours. The job entails hourly pay, which means that it can even become a full-time source of income.
Closing Thoughts
As this post exhibits, police officers have ample options to engage in a side business outside of their official police capacity. In fact, most of the suggestions here can serve as either side hustles or full-time employment. For those still on the force, flexibility is key, and of the suggested side jobs, the one that offers the most in that regard is ridesharing. However, blogging and having YouTube channels are close second, with the additional benefit of being low startup and maintenance costs.
If you’re interested in making money as a career counselor, our next article is a must-read! We’ll share valuable insights and practical tips on how to turn your passion for helping others into a lucrative career. And if you’re currently reading about how to make money as a police officer, exploring other career options could be beneficial for your long-term financial goals. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more. Keep reading!
Frequently asked questions:
Are police officers permitted to have side jobs?
Police personnel is absolutely allowed to supplement their income with side jobs, as long as it does not interfere with their official duties in their primary role. To assure full compliance, it is highly encouraged that permissions from higher-ups are acquired, to avoid any scheduling or timing hardships.
How important are side jobs to police officers?
Not only does a side business allow police officers to diversify and supplement their income, but it also expands their experience, adding variety to their skills, and in many cases giving them a relaxing activity outside of an otherwise stressful job.
Do police officers get paid enough?
While the rates of pay are determined by their rank on the force and the state they reside in, generally police officer pay is considered very average.