ZMan,
I have been a cop for 7 years. I love it, but it has it's downsides. You have to work horrible hours, night shifts, holidays, sometimes double shifts. My wife is very supportive of it, but I wish I was able to spend more time with her. Hopefully within a few years I can make it into detectives and see her more often. The benefits are usually very good. The pay depending on the department can be good. Some departments pay terribly. I have seen a lot of crap, some things I just can't forget. The one thing that makes me the happiest is the kids. I love seeing a child run to the edge of the road while waiting for the bus, just to wave at the police officer going by. If you do it because you like people and you enjoy some excitement, that is a good reason. Don't forget there is a lot of paperwork. A lot of paperwork. Oh yea, and you get to ride fast with the lights on. That is just a bonus! LOL Best of luck with the decision.