Police aviation. You can have the both of both worlds.

If you have the desire to be a cop be a fire fighter instead.

That's like saying if you have the desire to be a pilot be a attorney instead... that adds nothing to the original post.

To the original Op, being a LEO is different and the same as being a pilot at the same time. It's paramilitary in structure, there is a uniform, and there is a command structure. Pilots and LEO's always prepare and train for worse case scenarios. Stress is part of both jobs. I've met more cops who became pilots than pilots that became cops...

Biggest advantage with being an LEO is the retirement, different experiences every daily and money can be pretty good depending who and where you work. And if you like guns, there is nothing like free ammo and range time whenever you want. Every agency is different so experiences can vary (just like the airlines).

If you just want to get your feet wet try and find a local PD that has a reserve program. Either that or join the USCG like one of the other posters.

This is what I have noticed too which makes me think I may regret my decision. I guess I could always do 2 or 3 years, try and stay current, then if I miss the airline life I could always go back to it. Its not like I'm giving up the left seat at Southwest to take a gamble right now and the hours in my logbook won't suddenly disappear.

Someone suggested a ride along one Friday night. Visit a few alcohol fueled domestic violence episodes, then decide.

My biggest thing is staying in hotels, eating junk food, and the whole commuting hassle which is getting worse as capacity increases. I wondered if any of the say Comair guys who were kicked to the curb through no fault of their own decided to take the route I'm talking about rather than starting at the bottom of another regional all over again?
If so, how did it go?

Customs and the DEA flying, but also law enforcement. Best of both worlds.

Sure there may be more cops that became pilots, but I would also argue that a lot of pilots aren't cut out to be cops either. Hiring standards for LEO's is way harder than being a pilot. Background, physical, psych, written, oral and experience all play into getting hired. Then its onto the Captain's interview and an academy (6-10 months). It takes months, even years to get picked up at some agencies. Check out officer.com they have forums that are state specific and can answer more about the hiring process.

If you're at the bottom of a regional or lets say 5 years in and looking at a furlough or starting at the bottom again I'd say become a LEO. It really depends where you are in life. If your in your 20-30's you could do 20 years as an LEO and retire with a great pension. Go fly whenever you want without worrying about eating ramen nightly. You'd still have decades to go fly professionally after too.

In the end some people enjoy slinging gears, others enjoy gunslinging. Or better yet like someone said join the feds or local PD that has an aviation bureau and your set. Great pay, pension, and get to fly on someone else's dime.

Home everyday and a good QOL are something no amount of pay can make up for.

Interesting web site you mentioned. I read on there that more police officers commit suicide than are killed by felons.
I agree being home almost every night, no commuting, and the job security trumps any airline out there. My resume, along with 10,999 others are on United's airline apps, no bites. nothing from Virgin, Spirit, etc. 6,000 TT, 2 types, 3,500 turbine PIC.
The agency I am looking at opens its application window early next year. In the mean time I'll work on my fitness and study the multiple choice test prep. I have a clean background, ex military, and excellent health so I should check all the boxes. Very competitive though and most don't make the cut.
Nothing to lose by trying.

Would you share what agency that may be?
In a previous post you mentioned a local Sheriff's department, but I doubt you'd be looking at direct entry into an aviation unit.

Well, one thing you won't be able to do as a airline pilot is use your department issued TASER!!!!! "Don't tase me bro….".