The point you are all missing is that accountants look at the bottom line.
Most missing persons are found and the rest are dead as they set out to commit suicide.
Using a very expensive publicly funded police resource and personel is not cost effective.
Stolen car chases ,drunk drivers,petty drug dealers etc are also not going to deliver bang per buck with bean counters.
The incessant throb of helicopters over London is a major source of annoyance for those of us who have to spend time in the city. The regular political marches can be better policed by drones as can security issues.
The reality is that there are many situations where drones can do a better and more cost effective job than a twin turbine helicopter.
Low level power line survey and aerial filming being good examples.
The Wattisham police crew can be deployed back in the job and the five pilots can easily find work elsewhere.
Technology marches on...accept it.