Are there any police officers out there? Please let me know your stories and some advice on work!?

I just got my degree in Criminology from UC Irvine, and I'm applying to law school in the fall, so I'm looking forward to being an attorney. But, there is something inside of me that would just love to become a police officer. I have sooooooo much respect and admiration for them! I can't help but stare in awe, whenever I see them on the street! I really look up to them! Ever since I was a kid, I've loved them. I'm always watching ';COPS'; on TV, and wish I could be an officer who rides on a motorcycle...that would be awesommmmme! But the reason I won't be going into law enforcement is that I know I don't have what it takes to become a cop and I just can't put my life on the line everyday. For you wonderful officers...please share any interesting stories you have, or even better would be...what kind of work can I do before law school next year, in which I could work with law enforement officers, but not be an actual cop? I LOVE POLICE OFFICERSSSSSSSSSS!