Actually its being done that way because
1. The 'mother organisation' finds it increasingly difficult to work out why it takes two Sergeants to supervise ten PCs. Now, you might say that the rank(s) are required because of the upward responsibility of a UEO rather than the downward supervision, we couldn't possibly comment.
2. There is an increasing reqirement to 'flexipost' positions and not use police officers where non-police officers might be able to fill the position. If an organisation is going to do that, they would be negligent if they did not trawl around in the first instance for suitably qualified personnel. For a role such as that of Deputy UEO the requirement to be a qualified air observer is a necessity, we run a fairly lean (in personnel terms), unit. Within our own organisation there is a surprisingly large pool of candidates qualified for the job. That is not to say that they will all go for it though.
Clearly the post is aimed at eventually producing the next UEO
That is simply wrong.
but there is some suggestion that its aimed at a retiring policeman as they want someone with previous experience as a UEO or Deputy UEO and as an air observer. Strangely enough there are few mere mortals with those skills!
Within our own organisation there is a surprisingly large pool of candidates qualified for the job. That is not to say that they will all go for it though.
However, having seriously explored the potential civilianisation of all observer positions, the organisation has come to the (correct in my view), decision of maintaining the status quo