A college degree proves "I'm THIS" smart. And the one after than proves "I was that smart. Now I'm THIS smart." I wouldn't want a doctor or lawyer or accountant or stock broker without one of them there hoity-toity edumacational degrees.
I don't think being a cop should require a degree. Yeah, it's a tough job an all so send your letters elsewhere, but there's not TOO much thinking involved that would require a college degree.
A college degree proves nothing other than that you went to college for so long. Hell, His Holiness the Dalai Lama studies quantum physics for FUN, tinkers with anything at hand etc and speaks several languages...NO formal education. I know thats one man, but he never went to college
As to the cop thing it requires memorization of local and state if not including federal laws...i'd say thats a bit of memorization and careful study for interpretation...