I have to be very honest with you.
As a degree holder, they can only consider you for Senior
Officer (ie. upon completion of training, to be commissioned as an
Inspector). As inspectors hold a rank that commands public and
subordinates' respect, they require them to have reasonable good
demenaour (presentation), strong physical + academic ability.
Therefore if one is unfit in any way, there's no way they will
take in the person and hope they will shape up and become fit. The
police force is not a free gym.
In short, to be a senior officer - one must be both physically
fit, have a sharp mind, reasonable qualifications from a recognised
institution, ability to speak and command well.
Your current job/work experience also makes it unconvincing that
you're qualified to lead people....plus an attitude of seeking a
secure job makes it all the more unconvincing that you're suitable
to be a leader. If you can't even succeed in the marketplace, its
not believable that you can take the stress or have the ability to
lead men and women. They are not going to give someone an Inspector
rank, who can only tell their subordinates 'oh...I was a contract
teacher, looking for a safe job', its not going to inspire
confidence that the inspector knows what to do.
There may be other reasons for them rejecting you, obviously it
will be confidential as they don't want people to find a way to
trick the system into accepting them.
I do not mean to discourage you, but you probably need to figure
out how to succeed and build a career, rather than thinking its the
economic climate. There're plenty of jobs out there....whether you
succeed or not depends on your attitude.