The wellbeing paradox: High resilience and psychological distress in the transition out of UK policing

Abstract This study investigated the wellbeing of UK police officers transitioning out of service, examining retirees, early leavers, and those within 12 months of retirement (N = 370). Using the Job Demands–Resources model, the research identifies a ‘wellbeing paradox’: leavers demonstrate high resilience and subjective wellbeing alongside significantly elevated psychological distress compared to general population norms. Findings reveal that recently retired (≤5 years) and soon-to-retire groups are particularly vulnerable, reporting lower quality of life and higher distress than long-term retirees. Perceived organisational support and resilience emerged as critical buffers against the psychological burden of a policing career. However, participants identified significant unmet needs for career, financial, and mental health guidance during the transition. The study highlights that the anticipatory retirement period is an acute window of vulnerability, suggesting that proactive, targeted organisational interventions are essential to mitigate the lasting psychological burden of policing and ensure successful civilian transitions.