No no no no no, that isn't true. A Superintendent needs to understand the grass roots job. The reason that the police force is in such disarray (and believe me it is) is because a few years ago they introduced a 'fast track' graduate system. The current middle management are making crazy decisions that are affecting front line policing.
How do I know?? My missus has been with Merseyside Police for 12 years, I have experienced the crass stupidity of how her job has evolved; MBA 'business' models introduced, targets etc etc. I won't even list examples here, because you would simply not believe me. Imagine David Brent crossed with Tony Blair crossed with Robert Mugabe. Times 1000, 24/7, 365 days a year.
When they demanded calling arrested criminals 'customers' so as to not hurt their feelings, I started to crinkle.