After retiring from football, in 1985 Dwyer joined the South Wales Police force, after being recommended by a friend who worked in the force. Despite being a year older than the force's recruitment age limit, he took up a role in the town of Wenvoe, where he lived with his wife Ann for twenty years. When asked about Dwyer's age at the time a police chief constable commented that: ""Phil had qualities which would be valuable to the police."" Dwyer began his career in the force on foot patrol and later described the regular verbal abuse he and his colleagues received, although he states that being a former player for Cardiff ensured he received less than most police officers. In his spare time, Dwyer did briefly play amateur football and also coached local teams in the Cardiff area. He also represented the South Wales police football team in matches against their counterparts from around the United Kingdom.