Re: the IRs, N Mids are no different than all other UK Police Units, except Devon & Cornwall (I believe they are the only ones). Whilst instrument flying experience is absolutely essential for lots of rural police flying, the nature of police flying (surface visual contact), the lack of necessary fuel reserves and the absence of let down aids in the right place prevent the use of full-blown IFR.
D-P have had their 109 for a month or two now