I've heard that the 500 hours twin time was set in the last century when the police acquired their own helos and hired the pilots from contractors such as Bristows,PAS etc. When asked what minimums should apply I expect the pilots at that time wanted 500 hours twin because that ensured job security.
Does 500 hours dangling a dingle in the water from a twin engined helo satisfy a level of experience for the police? Does 500 hours flogging to and from oil rigs in the North Sea satisfy the same experience requirement? I think not but who advises the police? Ah - the Home Office and I bet their aviation adviser was one of those pilots from the last century with 500 hours or more "dangling". I doubt if the HO view will change until the adviser is changed
Experience should be relevant to the task and not limited by irrelevant hours. You don't have to be an ex-military pilot to be a police pilot but I am sure it helps - sometimes.
Fishboy - have you ever thought of becoming a stockbroker?
- "keeping an ear to the ground"