considering pay was almost the same... would you rather become a police officer or a correctional officer?

They bow down to the inmates in prison. They could beat an officer to death and all they'd have to do is lay down and you can't touch them. I would prefer to see them get jerked up off the floor and their *** whipped.

If I was competent Police Officer. They deal with the public in general including protecting and serving the general public. They also have a diverse set of duties.

a PO is more dangerous than a CO

Police officer, hands down. Do I want to spend half my waking life in prison? No. I'd rather drive around in the open air giving people speeding tickets between my pit stops at Dunkin' Donuts.

NO, because I don't have the personality for either.