Happysod,
I assume you have a CPL(H) already.
I see you are listed as Northern Ireland. It was a great place to be about 3 months ago for jobs with private owners as the market was very good with lots of new machines arriving. I know south of the border the market as collapsed with lots of machines for sale, not sure if the north is affected. Don't go near the bloke with a nicely shiny machine on the border!
PSNI always seem to want people so talk to PremiAir as they currently have the pilotage contract. Don't listen to SkyhighUlster as he has a thing about them! They are a great bunch to work with.
I wouldn't rush to get an IR just yet. See what is needed first. If you do have access to any grants I would spend it on one of the common type ratings or if you have a lot of money then go for an IR that also gives you a decent type rating e.g AS355 or EC135. Bit of a queue though for IRs at the schools at the moment.
Good luck.
FNW