Tigerfish,
If you believe that some civilian who just wants to do a job- any job, and play with lots of lovely kit, but has no proven desire to lock up criminals, is going to make the most of that huge investment of yours, then fine.
Isn't that what selection and training is all about? I doubt you or I would allow some muppet to do the job that states he wants to wazz and zoom about the sky and spook a few chav's.
It's about attempting to replicate the job that was done so professionally by a Police officer,though no decision of mine or yours, has to continue, however poor or badly the job spec has been affected!
You will never replace experience and skills but you must attempt to plug the gap the best you can.