Police Officer Resignation Letter

There are a wide range of scenarios that might lead to a law enforcement official resigning a position. Officers can resign due to a change of career, an on-the-job injury, misuse of authority, mishandling of evidence, psychological problems resulting from a violent confrontation with a criminal, or more.

Format and Content

The police officer resignation letter format should start by stating the officer’s name, rank and position, and the effective date of resignation. It should be sent or delivered to the precinct captain or the chief of police in the city or county where the officer is serving. Whether or not to include an explanation for the resignation is up to the discretion of the officer. Regardless of any personal feelings, the letter should be professional.

Sample

This police officer resignation letter sample is from an officer who was shot in the line of duty while serving on the police force in a large urban area with a high rate of crime. He has accepted a job in a rural town with a much lower crime rate.

Dear Chief O’Reilly:

After much thought and discussion with my family I have decided to resign my position as a lieutenant on the XYZ City Police Force. I have struggled both physically and mentally, as you know, since being shot in the recent gun battle with members of the XYZ drug cartel, and since losing my partner in the same altercation. My resignation is effective on Augusts 1. It would be my honor to assist the new lieutenant you name in becoming acclimated to the job. I have accepted a much less stressful and dangerous position as a police officer on the ABC County Police Force. I believe transitioning to a rural, small town environment just what I need to help me recover completely from the shooting.

I want to say that it has been a tremendous privilege to serve on the XYZ City Police Force with the most courageous and dedicated men and women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Furthermore, I could not ask for leadership with more integrity and character than my superiors on the force here at ABC City. I would also like to thank you, Chief O’Reilly, and the others on the force who sat at the hospital comforting my wife and family for the 3 days that I remained unconscious.

I truly do not know how my family and I would have weathered this ordeal were it not for you, my fellow officers and their families. I will be eternally grateful for your kindness and care. My family and I intend to stay in touch with you and the others on the force after we move to ABC County. We will miss all of our friends here but believe this is the move for all of us. Again, thank you for your support and leadership during these past few months.

Warm Regards,

Wesley Green

Lt. Wesley Green