FWIW - as a PPL(H) with no police experience I place great value on our local police helicopter (which I see regularly living 1/4 mile from a 60 pitch pikey site). I am equally pleased that our county (Herts) has at last got an air ambulance service.
Modern policing is an impossible balancing act and I accept that our local plods cannot justify entering my neighbours domain for a stolen car or minor taffic infringement but they do mount operations from time to time at great cost and usually find many things of interest.
If I were a bobby (as my best mate is) then I would definately want to know that police ASU backup was there if I needed it.
Ian.