There are some pretty huge issues with UAV operating in civil airspace that need to be addressed before the EASA is going to let it happen. Once this 'minor' hurdle is crossed, then we might see the CAA and the Home Office allow UAVs to operate wearing blue and yellow.
For now and maybe the next five years (say), anything like an aircraft or helicopter UAV weighing more than 7 kg will need to operate over a military range. Sure.... if something really big and nasty happens in the UK, then we might expect the military to turn up with what they have .... but I very much doubt this will happen in anything less than a national emergency. So when it comes to helicopter pilot's police jobs, the next five years should be safe..ish.
The bigger issue will be rationalization of bases and types which is where my...ish comes in.
The problem today is how much helicopters (and the crews) cost and also how much will the inevitable replacements cost in the future. My money is that any airframe rationalization will see older airframes retired and/or used as back-ups, and the younger aircraft made to work longer/harder - so no brand new aircraft every 10 years any more and a smaller core fleet.
If you think you have worries from UAVs, think about helicopter salesmen, who will now have to wait 15 years (or more) between replacement helicopter sales and not the ten they are used to. Really makes me sad...
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I guess that they(the builders) might see a little more mid-life update work.... which will help the engineers who do the clever stuff
. And when it eventually comes to replacing the current stock - say 8-10 years plus from now.... then UAVs could well be an issue for us all.
I guess the current round of police EC135 deliveries might be the last for a fair bit..........