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As for money - you have a degree in computer science. You can get an entry level position for more than you will ever make as a civil servant. Being allowed to carry a gun aint worth the pay differntial.

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I believe that this is a big misconception. Entry level computer postions are hard to find with just a degree in computer science. There are still so many people laid off from the tech industry from a few years back, that they take a lot of these jobs. As far as the pay, I am close with quite a few cops, and all but one easily make well over 70k a year... and the oldest is 32.

I think it really depends on where you go. Some departments can afford to pay a helluva lot better than others. And that also varies what kind of jurisdiction you go to (city, county, state, federal, etc.).