Life After Law Enforcement

Life After Law Enforcement

Leaving a police career can be heartbreaking, especially when the heart bleeds forever “blue.” Life After Law Enforcement gives cops and families a vulnerable and transparent look inside the hardships of moving from duty belt to waist belt. With so many resources focused on mental and emotional survival for cops on the job, separated cops are often left to navigate civilian life on their own without the preparation, awareness, and support necessary for a healthy adaptation to this major life change. This book flips that script by tackling the unique needs and challenges of those who no longer suit up to protect and serve their communities. Written by a former cop who wrestled with unexpected challenges and unmet needs following his own career, author Brian A. Kinnaird explores the cultural, psychological, and emotional impacts of a police career that often complicate civilian reintegration. Without awareness of these obstacles, it may be difficult for a transitioning officer to identify the source of their problems or recognize the need for help. The book also validates common feelings associated with the loss of purpose and identity which can be hard to cope with after losing ready access to the safety net of other cops. Suffering is a normal part of life, especially through change, but it’s all the more painful when feeling isolated, alone, and misunderstood. It doesn’t matter how long a cop was on the job, what badge they wore, or how they left their career. Walking away from the splendor and strain of a life served to protect can be hard for any officer after spending time wearing all kinds of occupational armor. Inspired by his own story and the plight of other cops who once formed a “thin blue line,” Brian A. Kinnaird acknowledges the unintended consequences of loving and leaving the badge, and offers comfort in knowing that no cop walks this path alone. "A law enforcement-based masterpiece that 'checks all the boxes' when it comes to helping cops and families navigate the pitfalls of transition. Dr. Kinnaird's self-disclosure of his personal struggles is courageous but also necessary in validating those who may have fallen into a similar abyss. With this book, you and your family will be much better prepared to face the challenges of separation." --Richard Martin, LCSW, ACSW, CCTP, Master Sgt., Illinois State Police (Ret.) "Reading this book made me realize there were a lot of things I didn't do before I left the NYPD. While most police agencies do well in preparing us financially for the end of a career, they do us a great disservice when it comes to emotional and psychological preparation. Dr. Kinnaird puts all of that into perspective and offers a self-analysis that can only help those who are willing to take the time to do it." --John Warner, Detective-Investigator, Queens District Attorney's Office, Retired NYPD and past president of the Retired Detectives of the Police Department, City of New York "I wish this book and information were available when I was faced with an unexpected medical retirement. It would have saved me from so much soul-searching and time spent looking for validation of my worth. Dr. Kinnaird has a way of writing that cops understand, and his words touch you to the core." --Mary McConnell, Deputy Sheriff, Santa Cruz County (CA) Sheriff's Office (Ret.) "As an instructor who provides career survival training and peer support, I highly recommend Life After Law Enforcement . Dr. Kinnaird's book can save your life, improve your relationships, and create a more informed pathway into the next chapter of your life!" --Officer Mike Wierenga, Grand Rapids (MI) Police Department and co-founder of Two The Rescue Life-Saving Training "Dr. Kinnaird delves into the genuine, vulnerable feelings former cops experience after trading their 'duty belt for a waist belt.' Anyone in law enforcement or considering a career in one must read this book. It's that important." --D.D. Simpson, PhD, Retired NYPD and author of The Blue Pawn: A Memoir of an NYPD Foot Soldier "It was as though Dr. Kinnaird was writing about me! Following retirement, I struggled with PTSD and had trouble rejoining the world I knew before. His book described the thoughts and feelings I had every day, and it was reassuring to know I wasn't the only cop out there having problems." --Jeremy Cohen, Retired Specialist Operations Officer, Suffolk Constabulary, United Kingdom and author of Sworn In: The Career of 1481 "As a country cop in Australia whose career was cut short by PTSD, an American cop half a world away was able to tap into the psyche of this struggling mate." --Roger Eichler, Former Senior Constable, New South Wales, Australia and author of The Price of Protecting Others "Through this book, my professional police colleague from the United States offers a safe and supporting relationship during a time of vulnerability. Using simple and clear language, Dr. Kinnaird discusses the imp