Parker Publishers has announced the forthcoming release of Between Sirens and Silence: Life After Policing, a memoir by Jason Palmi, a retired Sacramento Police Department officer and criminal justice educator. The book, set for publication on November 4, 2026, chronicles Palmi's 31-year career in law enforcement and the personal journey that followed his retirement.
Drawing on cases and assignments from his time in patrol, the academy, and the field, Palmi recounts the day-to-day realities of police work and the toll it can take over a career. The narrative follows an arc familiar to many in the profession: an early sense of calling, a long stretch of burnout and disengagement, and the eventual return to purpose. The title refers to the silence that arrives not only at retirement, but at the end of each shift, when an officer returns home and attempts to set the day aside.
The book is directed in part at readers who are living through that experience. Palmi writes for officers who have lost their footing in the work, for those weighing whether to enter the profession, and for the families who absorb much of its weight. Throughout, he returns to the role that a support system, and in his case his faith, played in helping him navigate the difficult years.
Palmi served with the Sacramento Police Department from 1986 to 2017, working in patrol, as an academy instructor, and at the department's Emergency Vehicle Operations Center. After retiring, he moved to Montgomery, Texas, completed a master's degree at Sam Houston State University, and began teaching criminal justice, first at Sacramento City College and later at Sam Houston State, where he continues to teach.
In the author's words, Between Sirens and Silence is written with the hope of helping those who wake up dreading a job they once loved and feeling trapped, believing they have no alternative but to be miserable. Drawing from his personal experiences with burnout, self-doubt, and career dissatisfaction, Palmi shares an honest story of transformation, showing how self-reflection, personal growth, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to renewed purpose and fulfillment, both on the job and in retirement. The book also provides a realistic perspective on the rewards and challenges of a career in law enforcement while encouraging readers to challenge the limitations they place on themselves, step beyond their comfort zones, and recognize that success is often shaped not by circumstances alone, but by mindset, choices, and the courage to change.
The memoir will be available as an eBook, paperback, and hardback through Amazon and Ingram Spark. This announcement is significant because it addresses a critical issue: the mental health and well-being of police officers, a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years. By sharing his personal story, Palmi aims to provide a roadmap for others who may be struggling with the same challenges, offering hope and practical advice for finding purpose beyond the badge.
