The primary role of the observer in police operations is to operate the aircraft role equipment. A task that can be easily carried out by a civilian. I do not believe that there is a need for 'evidence gathering' that requires a police officer 'hands on'. Operating a VCR or taking evidential photographs does not demand a police officer. A civillian can submit an evidential statement just the same. To me its a case of 'horses for courses' lets have specialist aviation units crewed with specialists, and as I have said before, this will enable the police officers to return to police duties where they are needed. I am not saying that police officers do'nt do a reasonable job as aircrew, but the question is can they justify continuing in the role when a trained military observer could perform the role as well, if not better, and for less money. There are a lot of police observers out there who are probably thinking the same thing, and are trying to ward off the inevitable!!