Earlier quoted context omitted.
It is the job given to low status men who cannot qualify for other jobs. Every society deals with its low status men in some form or another — in many US regions it is becoming a cop, in Russia it is being sent to war, historically it was being sent to the mines.
No? It's significantly harder to become a police officer than a truck driver or a skilled tradesperson, and, in particular, in most departments there's an actual higher ed requirement.
In Sarasota FL, if I remember correctly, since about 2009-ish, Police need either a two-year degree, or military service. Judging from my personal observations and encounters, more than a few had/have well deserved degrees. The prior Chief had a masters, I think from the FBI National Academy. Did a lot of good for the city, compared to what they had before. I know the criteria does vary wildly though, throughout the country. But in many places, one can find some seriously sharp officers, and a few mighty good ones here and there too. Things are a wee bit different a few miles south in Port Charlotte though.
Also, I was, for unknown reasons, under the impression tptacek had taken hiatus around here. Half glad I was mistaken.