Chas:
I used to favor the 'train pilots to be policemen' theory, until I actually flew with some policemen trained to be pilots. To make sure the scenario is set - they weren't doing anything more than patrolling from the air - no SWAT team insertions or Search and Rescue. The local knowledge of the area they worked, and the knowledge of police procedures and more importantly the radios and their methods of communication were far more valuable than any stick time. The helicopter was pretty simple to fly in comparison.
But if you're doing anything other than aerial patrolling, this needs to be re-thought.