To VFR
There are two sides to every story, before continuing I agree that the gov should fund both Air Ambulance and Police Helis,but if it is a dual ops heli the problem will always be of split responsibilities, who is most important?.Im sure if you are in need of medical attention then you would say air ambulance, but if your someone had just been shot by an armed robber and the robber possesed the power to harm more ??? Or the joyriders who are in most cases worse than a burglar as they cause injury and destruction on a daily basis?
I think you are missing the point slightly of the police helo, they don't actually land and intervene (mostly) they provide a tracking and co ordination role for the ground troops and are very, very effective.
I do deal with our local police helo team on a daily basis, and believe me they always have to have a very good reason to go on task, and are controlled by the area force anyway, because thats who provides the budget.
I am not arguing with you on the air ambulance front, as they are of equal importance,but give thwe police helo teams a break!
Regards
hoverbover