There is nothing wrong with volunteering. If you want to learn the beginnings of being a LEO, then you are doing the right thing. The next step is probably a volunteer officer of some kind. I was a reserve deputy for over 7 years. I had all the same training, and all the same rights, privleges, and responsibilities of a sworn officer, but I was volunteer. I wore the same uniform (but had silver metal instead of gold), carries all the same gear (from 'cuffs to baton to radio to gun), and saw all the things you wish you didnt have to see (neglected/abuse/dead children, etc). Eventually, enough of the networking gets done and you get a job offer somewhere is you do well enough. I worked 6 mos as a part time PD officer in a small town and wrote 100's of speeding tickets, and busted a few pot heads (not really, I just destroyed their weed and made them cry). Eventually, I realized that I did not want to do that full time and gave up the employment part.
You are doing the right thing if you want to learn what it is to be an LEO. Watch for further opportunities to come your way.
