FLIR,
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe all ASU operations in the UK are flown VFR.
How many Police pilots have current Instrument Ratings?
The North Sea boys are all Instrument Rated and this is reflected in their salaries.
As an aside - the Met Police used to fly IFR machines and this was stopped when they changed types. Bristow (IFR) pilots flew their Bell 222's and probably one of the reasons they lost the contract was pilot's salaries.
Perhaps you Police boys should think about putting up a case for IFR status. Think how it would reduce your operating minimums and provide that additional bolt hole when you're out on the ground looking for that Misper and the wx is closing in.
Of course you'd have to persuade the Police Authority to re-equip the aircraft with IFR fit!!