It might interest some of you to note this FACT...
The only directly employed NPAS TFOs are civilians (both with 12 years experience in the role), the police officers are only with NPAS on a temporary basis (secondment from county forces).
As more Police Constabularies decide they will no longer second Police to NPAS(after those in situ leave or retire) I guess a lot more Obs will be civvies?