Denton hails from the asteroids belt mining colonies, and the crime families that controlled them. Which, is how he ended up on the Patrol. All thanks to a kindly old judge who gave Denton the option to work for the Patrol and assist with the apprehension, conviction, and in a few cases execution of those same criminals. Or he could simply rot away in a seal vac suit hooked to a grav-tether on a floating hunk of rock where he would end his days slinging a pick-axe in zero-G.

Denton chose not to pursue the carefree life of an honest miner drifting through space. Instead, he committed himself tirelessly to the betterment of all humanity by devoting himself to the Patrol. Besides, they did throw in a paycheck, freedom to move around, and that cool black uniform with the red flames running from the hands and feet up the forearms and shins. And those shades! All black with lenses like shimmering flame that alters with the lighting.

If asked, Denton will freely admit three things.
1. His moral compass isn't truly off, he just happens to have a keener insight into the minds of criminals.
2. The application of violence in everyday life is somewhat similar to the use of mustard; you only apply as much as you need to make things better.
2. If the creator of the universe wants Denton to get married then it will let him know. In the meantime, every woman is a potential candidate for the position. And he is always available to interview a candidate.