66 Lucrative Side Hustle & Business Opportunities For Police Officers
Interested in starting a business as a security in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a security could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Securities?
We put together 22 of some of the best security business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other security businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a consulting business ($147K/month)
Starting a consulting business could be an excellent way for you as a police officer to supplement your income and leverage your extensive experience in law enforcement. Consulting businesses are currently booming with an accumulated global value of about $250B, and the insights you've gained in your field could be highly valuable to organizations looking to improve their security measures, crisis management, or community relations.
By starting a consulting business, you could offer your expertise to a wide range of clients, from private companies to educational institutions, helping them implement best practices and better understand law enforcement protocols. Plus, reading about the entrepreneurial journeys of industry experts could provide you with valuable guidance and inspiration on how to successfully launch and grow your consulting business.
This side hustle allows you to transform your unique skills and knowledge into a profitable venture, all while continuing to make a positive impact on society.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,666,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.
2. Start a SEO services ($87.4K/month)
As a police officer, you could supplement your income and utilize your problem-solving skills by starting an SEO services business. This venture involves optimizing website content, building quality backlinks, and conducting keyword research to help businesses improve their visibility on search engines like Google.
Given the low-cost nature of this side business, requiring just a computer, internet connection, and basic SEO knowledge, you could easily manage it alongside your demanding career. The analytical skills and attention to detail you use daily in law enforcement could be seamlessly applied to helping small businesses enhance their online presence and attract more customers.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study describes the journey of Russell Michelson who, after leaving his corporate job, turned his WordPress skills into a thriving boutique SEO agency earning $20k/month, thanks to client referrals and Upwork.
3. Start a lead generation service ($287K/month)
If you’re a police officer looking for a lucrative side hustle, starting a lead generation service could be a great fit. Lead generation involves creating strategies and tools to attract potential customers for businesses, something in high demand in today’s digital age. With your keen analytical skills and attention to detail, you could effectively generate high-quality leads that help businesses grow.
Your experience as a police officer has likely given you strong communication and investigation skills, which can be leveraged to identify and attract potential clients. Offering this service not only provides a valuable support role for businesses but also presents an opportunity for you to earn a steady, supplementary income. This venture allows you to harness your investigative prowess in a new way, making it perfect for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Stackmatix achieved $20k MRR in under two years by providing integrated digital marketing solutions for businesses, from start-ups to Enterprises, with a holistic, consultative approach, and currently they're pacing towards their goal of $50k MRR in another six to twelve months.
4. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)
As a police officer, you could leverage your investigative skills and attention to detail to excel in a B2B lead generation service. This venture involves identifying potential business clients and creating valuable connections, which is analogous to profiling and tracking in police work. By blending research, cold outreach, and technology tools, you could build a robust pipeline of high-quality leads for other businesses.
Given the constant demand for reliable leads, this scalable business opportunity could provide a steady stream of additional income. If you have a knack for sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, this entrepreneurial path could prove both rewarding and impactful, allowing you to use your unique skills in a new, profitable way.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
5. Start a financial service business ($372K/month)
As a police officer, you could leverage your skills in trust-building and meticulousness by starting a financial service business. Navigating finances can be daunting for many, and your venture could offer essential services like investing advice, retirement planning, tax preparation, and budgeting assistance to individuals and businesses.
By obtaining relevant certifications or degrees in finance, you could establish a strong foundation that enhances your credibility. With a focus on personalized solutions and fostering financial literacy, you could make a significant impact on clients' financial well-being. If you're committed to helping others and are detail-oriented, this business could provide a rewarding and lucrative side income while making a tangible difference in your community.
How much you can make: $11,500 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
ConnectionPoint's founder and CEO, Daryl Hatton, shares his experience of launching an enterprise-class crowdfunding-as-a-service platform that has helped almost 200,000 projects in 40+ countries raise over $200 million, and offers valuable insights on taking a focused approach to growth and pivoting the business to solve customer problems.
6. Start a web design & online marketing business ($129K/month)
Starting a web design and online marketing business could be a valuable side hustle or even a full-time venture for you as a police officer. Utilizing your existing knowledge of website design and marketing concepts could enable you to tap into the ever-growing online marketing industry, which is projected to be worth $400 billion in the next four years. Given that the industry grows by about 30% annually, there is ample opportunity for you to secure a steady stream of clients looking to expand their online presence.
With your keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills honed from law enforcement, you could excel in delivering high-quality web design and effective online marketing strategies. This would not only allow you to supplement your income but also offer the flexibility to work on projects during your off-duty hours. With the rising demand for skilled professionals in this expansive field, your entrepreneurial endeavor could potentially grow into a lucrative business.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.
7. Start a freelance marketplace business ($124K/month)
As a police officer, starting a freelance marketplace business could be a practical and lucrative side hustle or even a new career avenue. You could create a platform specifically targeting security-related freelance jobs, such as private investigation, security consultation, or threat assessment, drawing on your industry experience to match clients with qualified professionals.
This opportunity leverages your network and expertise while enabling you to earn passive income from transaction fees and subscriptions. With the freelancing economy set to grow substantially, your platform could tap into a rapidly expanding market, providing a steady flow of clients and freelancers seeking specialized services.
By embracing this trend and launching your freelance marketplace, you not only diversify your income but also contribute to the evolving gig economy, filling a niche that aligns with your current skills and knowledge.
How much you can make: $100 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Flexiple is a customer-funded profitable business, generating $80K in gross monthly revenues on an average over the last 6-months, driven by their focus on connecting high-quality freelancers with companies looking for reliable and remote talent, while continuously iterating on their business model and expanding into complementary areas like tech hiring and content marketing.
8. Start a real estate marketing agency ($87.7K/month)
Starting a real estate marketing agency could be an ideal side hustle for a police officer with a knack for marketing. Your existing people skills and ability to remain calm under pressure align well with the client management and communication aspects of running a marketing agency. You'll have the opportunity to create and execute targeted marketing campaigns, manage social media accounts, and develop marketing materials tailored to the real estate industry.
Given the growing trend of online property searches, you could step in to help real estate agents effectively market properties through digital channels. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, making it a lucrative and sustainable business opportunity. With average earnings around ₹21 lakhs, and potential to reach up to 50 lakhs, a real estate marketing agency can be a profitable venture that fits into your existing skill set and schedule.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Coffee and Contracts is a digital marketing subscription service for real estate professionals that has helped over 7,000 members in just two years, with an average monthly revenue of around $165,000, and has grown at a rate of about 5% each month through organic traffic from Instagram and word of mouth.
9. Start a painting business ($27.6K/month)
Starting a painting business could be an excellent side hustle for a police officer looking to supplement their income and create a flexible work schedule. With the inherent discipline, attention to detail, and reliability honed from your law enforcement career, you could effectively manage painting projects, which are known for their high-profit margins and minimal startup costs.
To get started, you could craft a business plan, register your enterprise, and ensure you're properly insured and licensed. Once those foundational steps are complete, you could invest in the right painting equipment and focus on marketing your services to drive business. This venture could provide you with both financial benefits and an outlet for creative expression.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $61,583/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
How a recent college graduate started COOLERSbyU, a paintable cooler and accessories business geared towards Greek life and DIY crafting, growing from a few thousand dollars to an average of over $25k per month in just four years through mostly organic growth and a focus on SEO.
10. Start a woodworking business ($15.8K/month)
Starting a woodworking business could be a perfect opportunity for you as a police officer to supplement your income while pursuing a rewarding and creative side hustle. Utilizing your time off-duty, you could transform your passion for woodworking into a thriving business that operates right from the comfort of your home. The scalability of this business allows you to grow at your own pace, offering unlimited earning potential.
With your disciplined and meticulous nature, traits honed by your profession, you could excel in creating custom wood pieces that cater to specific client needs. Additionally, you could diversify your income by teaching woodworking skills to others, starting a woodworking blog sharing your expertise, or even flipping furniture. This business not only leverages your crafting skills but also offers a fulfilling and productive way to spend your downtime.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $40,001/month
How long does it take to build: 204 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.
11. Start a cleaning business ($175K/month)
As a police officer, starting a cleaning business could be an excellent side hustle that allows you to be your boss and provide a reliable income stream. This business is relatively easy to launch and does not require significant investment, meaning you won't need to divert too much capital away from your primary career. The flexibility in choosing your hours makes it an ideal fit for managing shifts and workload as an officer.
You could specialize in residential or commercial cleaning services, and depending on your schedule, you could offer evening or weekend hours to suit your client's needs. Investing in professional-grade cleaning equipment and eco-friendly products will set you apart in the market, allowing you to potentially charge premium rates for your services. Whether you aim to supplement your income or eventually transition to full-time entrepreneurship, a cleaning business offers both flexibility and the potential for substantial earnings.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $708,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.
12. Start a cannabis business ($272K/month)
Have you ever thought of starting your own cannabis business? The cannabis industry has continuously grown over the years, with legal marijuana sales projected to reach $22 billion by 2022. As a police officer, you could leverage your understanding of legal frameworks and regulatory procedures to thrive in this booming market.
No matter your level of experience, the cannabis industry offers a multitude of opportunities for entrepreneurial-minded individuals. You could explore various roles within the sector, from production and retailing to consulting and compliance. With inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who have made it big, the potential for success is significant if you choose to venture into this promising field.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $3,100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
13. Start a lead generation business ($194K/month)
Starting a lead generation business could be a lucrative side hustle for police officers looking to supplement their income. With your keen understanding of local communities and your strong observational skills, you could easily identify potential leads and target markets for various businesses. If you have a knack for digital marketing, you could capitalize on this by helping businesses attract more customers and enhance their sales.
Moreover, your established network and credibility within the community could give you a head start in building trust with clients and generating high-quality leads. As the demand for lead generation services grows, this venture could transform from a side hustle into a profitable full-time enterprise. By leveraging your unique skill set as a police officer, you could carve out a niche in the competitive business landscape and achieve financial success.
How much you can make: $120 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,125 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
14. Start an university
As a police officer, your extensive experience in law enforcement could serve as a strong foundation for starting a university that focuses on criminal justice, public safety, or law enforcement training. By leveraging your first-hand knowledge and real-world insights, you could develop a curriculum that better prepares students for the challenges they will face in the field, offering valuable, practical education that traditional institutions might lack.
Furthermore, your network within the law enforcement community could be instrumental in attracting qualified instructors, guest speakers, and students interested in pursuing or advancing careers in related fields. This venture could not only supplement your income but also contribute meaningfully to the educational landscape, shaping future police officers and public safety professionals.
15. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)
Starting an SEO & lead generation service could be a highly lucrative side hustle for entrepreneurial-minded police officers. With your keen attention to detail and problem-solving skills, you could help businesses attract and convert potential customers by optimizing their online presence. By learning the fundamentals of lead generation and gaining experience in digital marketing, you could assist local businesses in collecting valuable customer information and nurturing leads into loyal clients.
This venture could offer flexible hours and the potential for significant supplementary income, leveraging your existing ability to analyze data and strategize effectively. Your firsthand knowledge of the community could also give you a unique edge, allowing you to tailor marketing strategies to the specific needs of local businesses.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
16. Start a therapy business ($74.8K/month)
Starting a therapy business could be a highly rewarding side hustle for you as a police officer, allowing you to leverage your unique insights into human behavior and crisis intervention. Your frontline experience dealing with various mental and emotional challenges positions you to provide empathetic and effective support to clients. By earning the necessary certifications and licenses, you could create a fulfilling career path that directly compensates for your extensive skill set.
Additionally, as a police officer, you already possess strong communication and problem-solving abilities, which are critical for success in therapy. Whether you choose to specialize in trauma, stress management, or general mental health, your practical knowledge and experience can significantly enhance your credibility and effectiveness as a therapist. This career avenue not only offers the potential for additional income but also allows you to positively impact lives beyond your daily duties.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.
17. Start an email marketing tool ($235K/month)
As a police officer with a keen entrepreneurial mindset, you could explore the lucrative world of email marketing by creating and managing an email marketing tool. This software application would enable businesses to craft, schedule, and automate their email campaigns, helping them reach wider audiences and boost their sales effectively.
Given the booming nature of the email marketing industry, expected to reach a market size of $2.53B by 2028, your side business could flourish remarkably. Developing an email marketing tool could cater to a variety of professionals, from entrepreneurs to real estate agents, leveraging your existing skills in communication, organization, and attention to detail. By offering a tool that businesses need, you could generate a significant source of supplementary income and potentially establish a thriving business parallel to your law enforcement career.
How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
18. Start a litter removal business ($44.8K/month)
If you're a police officer looking to supplement your income and make a tangible impact in your local community, starting a litter removal business could be a perfect fit. This venture involves cleaning up litter and debris from public spaces, private properties, and special events, aligning well with your commitment to public service and community well-being.
You'll need basic equipment like trash bags, gloves, grabbers, and potentially a vehicle for transporting waste, all of which are relatively low-cost investments. By marketing your services to property managers, event coordinators, and municipal governments, you could tap into a constant demand and build a steady client base.
As public awareness of environmental issues grows, so too does the market for professional litter removal services, offering you the chance to be part of the green movement while earning extra income. This hands-on, physically engaging work is a perfect way to leverage your existing fitness level and dedication to community improvement.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $90,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
23-year-old Sam Evans founded You Call We Haul Junk Removal which brings in around $20,000 in revenue per month with a profit of 65% per job, servicing any individuals who have unneeded junk, and aims to franchise the business in the long-term.
19. Start a fireplace installation business
As a police officer, you could leverage your problem-solving skills and attention to detail by starting a fireplace installation business. This niche offers the opportunity to provide homeowners with a sought-after service, particularly in the autumn months when many are preparing for winter. Not only could this generate substantial seasonal income, but the convenience of gas fireplaces—operable with just a button or switch—makes them an appealing option for modern households.
Furthermore, your adeptness at dealing with various types of people would come in handy when consulting with clients to understand their needs and preferences. With the right training and tools, you could efficiently manage installations during your off-duty hours, turning your downtime into a profitable side hustle. Given the high demand for home improvement services that add instant ambiance and warmth, a fireplace installation business could be a rewarding entrepreneurial venture.
20. Start a sticker business ($45.8K/month)
Starting a sticker business could be a lucrative side hustle or even full-time venture for enterprising police officers. By designing and selling custom stickers, you could tap into your creativity and offer unique products that resonate with a diverse audience. Imagine creating stickers that cater to interests within your community, ranging from local pride to niche hobbies.
On a practical level, you could begin this business with minimal investment, using a computer, printer, and design software to bring your ideas to life. Setting up an online platform, such as a website or social media page, would allow you to market and sell your products efficiently. You could also promote your business through social media, local events, and word of mouth, leveraging your community connections to attract customers and grow your venture.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
21. Start a bedding company ($741K/month)
As a police officer, starting a bedding company could be a lucrative side hustle that leverages your unique perspective on the importance of quality rest. After long shifts, you understand firsthand how critical it is to have a comfortable bed to recharge. Catering to the needs of others seeking better sleep, you can offer high-quality mattresses, sheets, or pillows that make a real difference.
By selecting a specific niche within the bedding market, you could tailor your offerings to luxury bedding for those who value premium materials or affordable yet durable linens for budget-conscious consumers. Partnering with reputable manufacturers to source your products will ensure that you provide quality items at competitive prices.
In today's digital age, setting up an online presence is key—it allows you to reach a wide audience and manage your new venture flexibly around your policing duties. Establishing a website and active social media accounts can help you market your products effectively and connect with potential customers.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $3,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Sheets & Giggles, an eco-friendly bedding brand, earned nearly $500,000 and 6,000 orders in the first 6 months of business through Indiegogo, and utilizes pun-based marketing and a DTC model to tap into a fragmented, low brand loyalty market.
22. Start a freelancer platform ($391K/month)
As a police officer, you could leverage your unique skills, experiences, and network to start a freelancer platform that serves both local and broader communities. Given the rapid growth of the freelancing industry, establishing a platform to connect skilled individuals with businesses in need could present a lucrative opportunity. Your strong organizational skills and attention to detail could be valuable in managing such a marketplace.
A freelancer platform would enable you to facilitate connections and transactions between service providers and clients, capitalizing on the predicted $6.7 billion market by 2025. This venture allows you to create an additional income stream while still fulfilling your duties as a police officer. Additionally, your insight into community needs and safety could help shape a secure and trustworthy platform, addressing a common concern in the marketplace.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
CloudDevs, a tech talent platform that sources and vets freelance tech talent and matches them with companies, has achieved $1 million in GMV in its first year, plans to achieve 100% growth year on year, and focuses on customer loyalty through its Net Promoter Score metric.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
