After more than two decades in public service with the NYPD, I made the move into private sector security—first in corporate settings and now in healthcare. I get asked a lot about what that transition was like and what I’ve learned along the way. The truth is, the shift from public to private sector security comes with challenges, but also incredible opportunities for growth, leadership, and impact.
This blog is my reflection on that journey—what I’ve learned, what’s worked, and what I wish I knew when I made the leap.
From Uniform to Strategy
One of the biggest shifts in mindset when moving from public to private security is the transition from tactical response to strategic leadership. In law enforcement, your focus is often immediate: respond to the call, protect life and property, follow protocol. In the private sector, especially in leadership roles, you have to think more long-term. You’re managing risks, building relationships, analyzing trends, and aligning safety strategies with business goals.
When I joined the private sector, I quickly realized that security doesn’t just mean keeping people safe—it means doing it in a way that supports the mission of the organization. Whether it’s a hospital or a corporate office, your approach to safety has to reflect the culture, values, and expectations of the organization you serve.
Adapting to a New Culture
In the public sector, structure is very defined. There’s a rank system, chain of command, and a strong sense of identity tied to the uniform. Moving into the private sector required me to adjust to different organizational cultures. Every company has its own way of doing things, and learning to navigate corporate dynamics took time.
For example, in healthcare, the emphasis is on patient care and experience. That means my security team needs to not only be alert and professional—but also compassionate, approachable, and respectful in high-stress environments. The ability to balance firmness with empathy is essential.
I’ve also learned that communication is key. In the private sector, you’re often working alongside people who may not have any background in security or law enforcement. It’s your job to educate, inform, and collaborate—not just direct.
Leading with a Service Mentality
Something that’s helped me succeed in both public and private roles is a service-first mindset. No matter the badge or the setting, I’ve always believed that leadership is about service—leading by example, supporting your team, and doing what’s right for the people you protect.
In the private sector, this mindset is just as valuable. My goal is to create safe, secure environments where employees, patients, or visitors can thrive without fear or disruption. That means constantly evaluating policies, training staff, mentoring younger professionals, and being proactive in our planning.
One leadership strategy I rely on is visibility. I don’t lead from behind a desk. I walk the floors, talk to staff, check in with patients, and let my team see that I’m hands-on. That presence goes a long way in building trust—both with those I supervise and those we serve.
Training Never Stops
Another key lesson from my transition: training is everything. In law enforcement, you’re used to frequent training and strict standards. In the private sector, training programs can vary widely depending on the company and industry. That’s why I made it a priority to introduce consistent, high-quality training wherever I’ve worked.
From de-escalation to emergency preparedness, I believe training is one of the most effective tools for reducing risk and increasing team confidence. But it’s not just about compliance—it’s about building a culture of readiness. I also encourage my teams to pursue professional certifications and stay up-to-date with industry standards.
As someone who’s also spent nearly two decades teaching criminal justice, I’ve seen the power of education firsthand. When people are educated and empowered, they make better decisions, respond faster in crisis, and serve with greater confidence.
Building a Diverse Team
One of the things I love about working in the private sector is the diversity of the workforce. In my current roles, I get to lead teams made up of people from all backgrounds—some with law enforcement experience, others brand new to the field. That diversity is a strength, but it also means leadership must be intentional.
I take the time to learn about each team member’s strengths, goals, and learning styles. I believe in coaching and mentoring, not just managing. We hold regular team meetings where everyone has a voice. That kind of environment fosters accountability, growth, and unity.
It also means being culturally competent and emotionally intelligent. A good security leader knows that we’re not just managing risks—we’re managing people, emotions, and often high-stress situations.
Lessons in Flexibility and Growth
If I could offer advice to anyone transitioning from public service to private sector security, I’d say this: be open. Be open to learning new things, adapting your approach, and seeing safety through a wider lens. The skills you developed in public service—discipline, integrity, crisis response—are absolutely valuable. But so is the ability to listen, collaborate, and grow.
The private sector has challenged me in new ways and allowed me to grow as both a leader and educator. It’s given me the chance to apply my experience in ways that create long-term, strategic impact. And perhaps most importantly, it’s allowed me to continue doing what I love: serving others, protecting people, and building safer communities.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from public to private sector security isn’t just a career move—it’s a mindset shift. But with the right approach, it can be an incredibly rewarding journey. The lessons I’ve learned along the way continue to shape the way I lead, train, and serve. And no matter the title or setting, the mission stays the same: keep people safe, lead with integrity, and never stop learning.