Just to add, I believe you were able to retire from the police force after 25 years' service - I have several relatives who did this, and benefited (and it was a big benefit) from a pension.
My greatx3 grandfather came from a family of Agricultural labourers, and started work at a very young age on a farm, but joined the police force in Kent in 1864 at the age of 25, retiring in 1890 as an acting sergeant after 25 years' service.
His eldest son, my great great grandfather, joined the Metropolitan Police in 1885 at the age of 20 and retired in 1910 aged 45, and afterwards worked as a Constable in Greenwich Market, amongst other things.