Anyone reading this thread would be forgiven for thinking that there are some very entrenched views which could be considered variously as insular, protectionist and possibly slightly blinkered? I can't say I agree totally with Paarmo but, whatever his real job, some of the points have an astute validity.
I've put my cards on the table before in agreeing that there has to be merit in at least
considering civvie Police Observers - so long as the cost benefit is calculated accurately. It's not only about cost, of course, but it's often a driving force - if there's no real benefit, there seems no point in going down the route. I'd agree with others that complete civilianisation could damage credibility, but one or two (MAN777 - Suffolk have two & I believe Surrey have one or two?) can inject a different (and often refreshing) perspective into a unit.
Realpieboy (#123 22nd May) is unsure whether a civvie can EFFECTIVELY operate in the police role? I reckon the right one can manage at least 98% - the only sticking point being their powers of arrest . . . but as we tend to note the "Air" bit of our title, the occasions are spectacularly few & far between - as soon as we're on the ground, we've lost the aerial advantage.
Letsby may feel that diversity will force politically correct incompetants onto a unit but I'd suggest a robust selection procedure is put in place . . . we've had one working well for some years since, previously, getting rid of Police Obs who couldn't actually cut the mustard took
far too long! That's not to say that a civvie would be easy to get rid of, but at least it could be written into a contract that they would be obliged to maintain a certain standard. That's in theory, of course - as soon as they saw the "competence" level of their compatriots, they probably wouldn't find it too difficult to remain in post!
Personally, Police experience on the ground notwithstanding, I'd rather see a competent equipment operator who can maximise the complexities of the kit, is able to think fast, communicate succinctly and manage the highly technical role of the aerial tactician than a Bobby with 10 years on the street who stumbles over the myriad of multi-tasking because his brain just can't keep up with the aircraft. It's not rocket science but there's actually more science in the kit & the role than most experienced PCs will have utilised in a whole career!
It's really not about "Police" experience, it's about
balance & using the right person for the job because they are better at doing it, in order to provide the best service to the team on the ground, the force and the public we serve.
I was told once that some good Policeman know how a crooked mind works because they may hail from just the other side of the fence - currently it would appear that UK Police have to be more akin to Parliamentarians than the common burglar!!
