Rupert, you should talk to someone at your local police station and arrange an interview with someone high-up (so that he knows what he's talking about) and ask him what qualifications are desirable and helpful for your career interest. For instance, ask him what the advantages and disadvantages are of going to college first, like whether you'd get a higher salary, more opportunities, etc.
This is the only rational solution, and you should do it ASAP, if you haven't done it already.