Not all people were poor. Some were young criminals that need a light spanking. Others familys were in the military and carrying on the tradition. Some were patriotic and others wanted to learn about the world and protect the USA.
Poverty had nothing to do with it....opportunities, benefits...etc...hope the US Military isn't employing young criminal that need a light spanking...
So why did you become a cop?
Because I was young and needed a stable job that would help put me through university and pay the bills....that was also pensionable and there were so much perks associated with the job (the intangibles) like credit facilities, easy loans etc, good treatment from others etc...
As Roc said when you go in, most people don't have this idealistic attitude that you all think but as you begin to serve and are exposed to the creeps and criminals of this world, you want to do more and you fall in love with the job....you're neglecting your family, yourself etc...I was a Detective and would sometimes spend a whole week 24/7 away from home dealing with a serious crime.....it affects your family life big time.....
Then you realize that it is consuming your whole life.....
When this happen its time to hand over the baton...and the relief is something else....euphoric.....plus what is the sense in having a degree in Computer Science and working with a guy who has none and he is being paid more than you...cause he is your superior. Our pay structure was that you were paid according to rank not qualifications.