It's really not about "Police" experience
Yes it is. As I have said before, the pilot of an Apache is far more effective as he is a soldier first. If experience counts for nothing lets privatise the RAF Tristars, Hercules, BAe146s, C17s etc as there is no reason that they need to be flown by military aircrew,is there? Change is not ALWAYS better. In fact, in my experience, most change seems to be made by people entering an organisation with big ideas and absolutely no idea of the core role. It normally impacts on staff moral, costs a fortune and lasts until that person is promoted or moves on, then reverts to the tried and tested position that it was at originally.