Why a person want to be a police officer?

The reason that someone wants to be a Law Enforcement Officer or Deputy Sheriff are many faceted: Perhaps they want to server their country or community without leaving the US. It could be that they have an affinity to be one of the "good guys" and be a part of the solution and not just another person complaining about the areas state of affairs. Is it that they want to make their community safer for his/her family, and their neighbors family? Or that the job allows for good advancement, a changing environment and often a great retirement? Good pay? It goes far further than the "I want to drive fast and carry a gun' mentality that often people believe is the case...those individuals are split out of the process far before being hired. Personally, I have watched graffiti and crime grow in my community and the surrounding cities. I have seen neighbors/parents talk about how the neighborhoods have changed over the last few years. I have been one of the people watching the news and then complaining that 'someone has to do something!" My father wanted to be a cop. My uncle was a cop. I can no longer be someone on the sidelines...complaining and waiting to be saved. I MUST a part of the solution, part of something larger than myself...part of the brotherhood that make every effort to make your chosen city a safer place to live, work and worship. I don't believe that I will always get the bad guy, but I do believe that somewhere down the road, if I don't get them, someone that will be dressed just like me (when I finally wear a badge) will! Make the world you live in a little better. Make it safer for the kids to ride a bike in the city by helping to get bad drivers off the road. Be a part of the community that people look up to for help. An Officer is more than law enforcement...its community service and support. Be that guy/girl. Be that solution.