The ideal situation that you've described is how the FBI actually works. The FBI is highly selective, requires a bachelors degree minimum (though I hear new hires increasingly have even more higher education), treats misconduct very seriously, and pays professional salaries. You'll notice that most controversies about the FBI concern policies set at the very top, almost never abuses of power or denial of rights.
I agree that we need to similarly professionalize local police forces. I'd rather see it done at the state level to maintain more local, rather than federal, control of policing.
I agree that we need to similarly professionalize local police forces. I'd rather see it done at the state level to maintain more local, rather than federal, control of policing.