Parker Publishers has announced the upcoming 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, scheduled for publication on November 4, 2026, chronicles Palmi's 31-year career in law enforcement and the years following his retirement, providing an intimate look at the personal toll of police work and the journey toward renewal.
Drawing on cases and assignments from his time in patrol, the academy, and the field, Palmi recounts the day-to-day realities of the job. The narrative follows a familiar arc among many in the profession: an early sense of calling, a prolonged period of burnout and disengagement, and the eventual return to purpose. The title refers to the silence that arrives not only at retirement but also at the end of each shift, when an officer returns home and attempts to set the day aside.
The book targets readers who are living through similar experiences. Palmi writes for officers who have lost their footing in the work, for those considering entering the profession, and for the families who bear much of the burden. Throughout, he emphasizes the importance of a support system and his faith in helping 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 his own words, Palmi says, "I wrote this book 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 my personal experiences with burnout, self-doubt, and career dissatisfaction, I share an honest story of transformation, showing how self-reflection, personal growth, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to renewed purpose and fulfilment, 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 book will be available in eBook, paperback, and hardback formats through Amazon and Ingram Spark. With its honest portrayal of the highs and lows of a policing career, Between Sirens and Silence is poised to resonate with current and former officers, their families, and anyone interested in the human side of law enforcement.
