In the US there is a "public use" exemption from all FAA and other local aviation enfocement activity, including maintenance for a/c and operations by the government or police organizations. A good explanation of this is at the ALEA Airorne Law Enforcement Assoc.
www.alea.org) website. In order to have this exemption the mission must be flown at the direction of sworn police or fire personel and any other "necessary" personel for the mission, which can include a pilot for the public need and convenience. I current fly police search and rescue missions for Eagle 1, a retired military helicopter unit. see.
www. eagle1sr.homestead.com This unit is completely privately funded, but directed by the sponsoring police department. Donations are needed and appreciated. Also, more recently after Sept 11 here in the states, the US Coast Guard and other federal, state and local law enforcement offices have utilitzed private aircraft and pilots to fly patrol, coastline defense and other related homeland security flights. In each event, there is substantial training involved and even not required by law, usually the aircraft and pilots are trained and flown to military standards, beyond most general aviation capabilities. Historically in the US since WWII we have had the Civil Air Patrol, made up of civillian aircraft and pilots who operate organized search and rescue as well as coastline defense missions with their own independent command structure, but overall command of the US air force. I am also a practicing attorney. In most cases pilots would fall under the "firefighter" rule and be exempt from most liability as a person serving the public good. It encourages volunteerism, rather than punishing it. Also, most requested agencies would cover the insurance, and the pilot or a/c owner's insurance would be secondary. The real issue is who pays first for what (pilot liability vs.passenger liability vs. third party liability vs. hull, etc.), not overall coverage. Igor Sikorsky was proud that his inventions, including improvements and production of the helicopter were used to save lives, not destroy them. This is the type of use of our talent that should be encouraged, not denigrated in any way. Sterno.