Vfrpilotpb I don't disagree with you about the valuable role played by air ambulance helicopters, although I have heard criticism that the London air ambulance is sometimes used when an ordinary ambulance would be adequate. (I'm not in a position to know whether that is a fair criticism.)
I know a little more about the work of Police helicopters and, you do seem to under-estimate the importance of their role.
They are effective in preventing crime, and apprehending criminals who might otherwise escape. Apologies if I've misunderstood, but I have the impression you don't attach much importance to this aspect. Don't forget that damage done to victims of crime can sometimes last much longer than it takes broken bones to heal.
Helicopters are also more efficient, and more cost-effective in many other police tasks which would take up enormous manpower, and take far too long, if carried out by officers on the ground. In my experience, the comments posted by Letsby, Oberon and TC bear are correct.
I draw a major distinction between helping to catch so-called "joyriders" in stolen vehicles (usually young inexperienced drivers who might seriously injure or kill when trying to escape from a pursuing police car), and using air support to catch ordinary motorists speeding. The percentage of speeding motorists who crash is so small, and the offence so minor, that the cost is not justified; the police waste far too much money on trapping motorists already.
Thomas coupling You say
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">"Best left as is, methinks Charitable air support for the air ambulance (because it is an emmotive issue) and Home Office funding for the police (so that the gov't can keep a firm grip on them!!)."[</font>
Why do you say air ambulance support is an emotive issue? In what respect?
Although Vfrpilotpb doesn't appear to be the greatest fan of Police helicopter support, he makes good points about the value of air ambulances.
Why aren't you in favour of government funding for both?
[This message has been edited by Flying Lawyer (edited 06 April 2001).]