I understand the bit about civil ops and operating to passenger carrying regulations 100%.
What I was hinting at was the 'mission creep' to cover requirements to hold a fast roping/winching etc capability in some forces. I think that once you get to the stage of roping people into major incidents you become paramilitary. In a recent paper exercise, we received a simulated call to operate at an incident in town. I simulated a refusal, stating that I would be putting my passengers and the general public at risk. It didn't go down well, but the management realised we were not the Air Cavalry!! I think some people have modelled their future plans on a visit stateside. Remember folks, just because a policeman gets promoted to the top, doesn't mean he knows anything about civil ops.