As someone who has made docs about police airwings could I give my perspective of the craft and experience that would be useful for non policemen to learn the job of Police air observer;
+500hrs flying as a crew member.
Knowledge of ground and aerial police tactical responses
Knowledge of local police resources
Local knowledge
Street smarts and common sense
Experience in aerial video/FLIR gimbals
Ability to verbalise (the scene) and direct others via radio.
Experience working under pressure whilst communicating to others.
Team player
Understanding/reading /predicting criminal behavior & public disorder
I know of many TV news cameramen who score seven out of the above ten, including having a good understanding of how specialist police resources are managed from the air (ie dog squads).
I suggest that very few can move straight into the role without cockups.
I was onboard a police machine (making TV doc) once at night searching for a suspect, the newish police observer used FLIR to direct police ground resources to a pile of steaming compost.
Another night flight an observer was adamant we were heading in the wrong direction as he was using FLIR for navigation and had pointed the FLIR at the wrong cooling tower.
No question that it is a tricky job, where x number of flight hours doing the job can only go so far, after that it is the fundamental abilities that make a good air observer...
natural situational awareness
navigational skills
ability to verbalise the picture and communicate via radio
ability to multi task
Surely these are the fundamental skill set, woven into ones genes (and also relevant to numerous other occupations) that count the most, whereas the understanding of; tactical application of police resources, criminal behavior and reading the situation on the ground can be taught and experienced on the job?
Mickjoebill