This is and always was going to be a Disaster!
Like several others, I was a middle ranking Police Officer, totally convinced and devoted to the proper development of Police Air support. The star in our firmament was a network of dedicated and trustworthy Unit Executive Officers and unit chief pilots. We talked to each other, and co-operated unit to unit, to give a pretty seamless cover across the Country. Our aim was the prevention and detection of crime and the arrest wherever possible of dangerous and reckless vehicle thieves and other violent offenders! Actually we were quite good at reducing vehicle crime, especially ram raiders etc. But even then we recognised that we could be even better with the formation of a National Police Air wing, regionally administered taking advantage of contracts awarded for maintenance, fuel supply, training and Pilot procurement. Greater efficiency via bulk buying would be the watchword. We were at first delighted when it seemed that the Govt agreed with us. But then dismayed when it became apparent that the only reason that motivated the Govt towards creating a National Police air Service (NPAS) was the desire to save money. Greater efficiency of service delivery was never a consideration! Because of the sole intention was that of money saving, the Fleet and the number of bases was immediately cut to totally unworkable proportions, and operational efficiency went to hell in a handcart! Did no one in control ever understand that an aircraft that had to fly double the distance to the scene of the crime was always going to be too late to be of assistance? Did they not realise that fuel would be critical and time on scene reduced? The whole concept of effective Police Air Support was emasculated by theoreticians who had no operational experience! Now aged 74 and having dedicated over half of my 30 years Police experience to the proper and efficient development of Police Air Support, I am destroyed by what some so called Senior Police Officers did to the world leading Police Air service that our UEO's had delivered.
Some very Senior ex Police Officers need to hang their heads in shame!
TF
Last edited by tigerfish; 4th Mar 2019 at 00:03.