Yes you can call the police. The person won't be arrested or charged with anything, however the officer will take the person into custody and bring them to a locatation to get treatment.
You can pay your own way as a self-sponsor, however you still need a Chief to sponsor you by signing your papers and sending you. It could cost upwards to $5,000.
You are going to fill out forms and then the background investigators are going to run a thorough background investigation. They are going to dig into your past employment,credit,tickets,schooling,references and other things they feel necessary.
I was hired a long time ago, when it was different. You don't need a degree to be hired, however I would advice to get one before going into the LE field, it's very hard to get one when you are working a full time as a Police Officer.