It was, and generally still is the case that a fixed wing police resource can ‘cover’ about 3/4 of tasks (some less well) at about 1/2 the cost of a rotary wing. Commentary of ground pursuits being one particular challenge associated with a platform that is unable to hover, requiring considerable mental gymnastics from a commentator constantly in motion over the ground. Of course the majority of police assets are twins, which gives them flexibility over altitude. (As well as increased safety in the eyes of the public) Make them a single engined drone, and the required altitude increases. Not good when suspects are running/driving between or into buildings, that then require containment pending arrival of ground resources.
if the Elbit was going to be cheaper than a helicopter, then accountants would overlook it’s inferior prospects for effective policing. Make it the same price, or more expensive than a helicopter, and I have to ask, what’s the attraction?
The technology for military drones is not the same as that required for policing. It will be some time yet before drones can effectively replace helicopters. Remember also, in this country we police by consent. Tell the residents of Manchester or Liverpool, the police are using the same drone used by the Israelis over Gaza, and you may see a breakdown in that consent?
Of course the Home Office proves day in, day out, they have no understanding whatsoever of effective police air support. So who knows?