The Sheriffs Office here hires retired LEOs to work as bailiffs or use guys that aren't cutting the mustard on the street (think about that) and a few serve civil processes. That's not too bad in and of itself but court room security and dealing with defendants can become just as dangerous as the street.
I've got 19 ( actually over 22 years in the retirement system as I bought back 3 of my 4 years of .mil service) in now and if I could retire at 20 or 25 I would. I will be 49 years old and have 30 years in and I don't plan on doing the court room thing when that bell rings. Society has changed since I first started. I love the job and even now rarely take off but as mentioned earlier society is changing making the job less desirable. Did I mention that I love this job...I'm in Instructor class the next 2 weeks. I guess I still feel like I have some knowledge to impart on the new guys. We will see I guess.
Seriously, if available in your area do a citizens police academy and if you like that try to move forward. Not trying to disparage you but everything that's been presented in this thread is true and comes from experience.