joining the police

[johnny37]

Not sure where to put this question so I've put it here. Is it true that, if accepted for training as a police officer, after training you have to start right at the bottom of the pay scale, regardless of any increases you may have earned previously working for the same force as a PCSO or in a civilian role?. I can see the point of this for ex-forces who are receivng a forces pension and are young enough to start again but it seems a disincentive for very able (older) people to apply due to loss of income.