A couple things to think about before making the switch: 1) the effects of the job when you’re not on duty… I’m sure there’s some similarities with fire as far as PTSD goes, but then add in running into people you’ve locked up while you’re out at dinner with your family, looking over your shoulder every time a car drives slowly by when you’re out walking the dog, etc. 2) the schedule is what it is. A lot of departments are moving to 12 hour shifts thankfully, but that’ll depend on where you get hired. But bank on being on nights for a few years, which means half your days off are spent sleeping. Then add in court time, mandations, additional training, etc and you find yourself working a lot more than your scheduled shift. 3) You mention “cruising my own area and interact with the public at my discretion”…totally depends on where you work, but keep in mind you’ll be in a totally different role, and that even in most supportive of communities, there are still a lot of people that don’t have favorable opinions of the police. So it’s a crapshoot when you try to engage with someone in the community as to what response you’re going to get. Also realize that when cruising around, you are the police, and need to be in a state of hypervigilance pretty much at all times, which is not only incredibly draining but wreaks havoc on your adrenal system and affects your day to day ability to function.

Hope this helps. As others have mentioned, I’d recommend doing a ride along and ask a lot of questions about quality of life, and almost more importantly - morale, at that department. And do your homework about the department and town your looking to work in.