Why Don't You Be A Cop?

I’m sure this topic gets brought up a lot. Perhaps every RLSH who actively patrols gets asked the same thing. Whether it be by the general populace or an interviewer. It’s a perfectly understandable question too. I’m sure everyone’s reasons are different. After all, the epitome of the crime fighter, really is, a police officer. They do everything a crime fighting RLSH does: they patrol the streets, they are equipped with gear and body armor, and they look out for crime and are generally there to protect other people, complete strangers.
The biggest difference between a cop and a RLSH is though, that they get PAID. and They have benefits like life and health insurance. So if anything happens, they are taken care of. The same is not so true for costumed crime fighters. So, why wouldn’t you be a cop?
Before I continue, this is not in any way to criticize the police or try and detract from what they do at all/ Whatever you may feel for the recent actions during Occupy protests, the police, as a whole, are there for you. They keep us safe and enforce laws that usually need enforcing.
So why don’t I want to be a cop? Well, I’ve never really been interested in “law enforcement” before, i.e. writing tickets and enforcing municipal codes. I’ve been more interested in just helping people and protecting people. I’m not about writing tickets and filing paperwork.
God, I hate paperwork.
I also prefer to set my own hours, do my own thing and live by my own code of conduct (so long as that code obeys the law). I’m not really restricted by guidelines or policies. I am my own boss and can really just patrol whatever area I want, when I want. How I want. As a RLSH I am not limited to where my boss assigns me: I don’t have to be stuck behind a desk, or bumped down in rank. Office politics do not affect me. I have practically absolute freedom.
Besides, I get to wear a cool costume.
There are many benefits to be a police officer, and they do a lot of good and they help put the bad guys away, there is no denying that.
I think my personal beliefs and lifestyle choices are best reflected as the RLSH I am.