Aren't they R44 Newscopters, not R44 Police?
Correct.
The R44 police has a multi sensor gimbal, searchlight and a PA. The operator/observer is located in front, the R44 news has a single sensor broadcast quality gimbal with camera operator station in the rear.
The previous gimbals used in R44 police are a little limited for stand off covert surveillance due to the limited magnification of the gimbal (compared to larger gimbals)
However new gimbals, such as the MX10 are a big improvement and would increase the versatility of the machine when operating over built-up areas where higher altitude is considered desirable if operating a single. So the newer gimbals chould have a significant impact on the viability of the R44 as a surveillance aircraft in locations where a rescue hoist, floats and two engines are not mission critical.
Mickjoebill