Please can I clear something up. Who decides what is a specialist role or not?
According to at least one English Force;
Specialist Roles
A OCU-Operations
Specialist - Recommendation
All Force Traffic Units - Management Scrutiny
Camera Enforcement Unit - Management Scrutiny
Air Operations - Management Scrutiny
Firearms Operations - Management Scrutiny
Force Communication Centre - Management Scrutiny
Stolen Vehicle Squad - Management Scrutiny
Crash Investigation - Management Scrutiny
Public Order Training - Management Scrutiny
Driving School - Management Scrutiny
OSU - Fixed Term 5 years
Airport Firearms - Management Scrutiny
Dog Training - Management Scrutiny
Dog Handlers - Management Scrutiny
Airport Police Unit - Management Scrutiny
All other 'A' OCU posts - Management Scrutiny
http://www.west-midlands.police.uk/f...MOEP.asp?id=45
And another...
In 1986, the Thames Valley Police Air Support Unit relocated to RAF Abingdon and was allocated a budget of 650 flying hours per annum. In 1988, it was recognised that the role of observer was a specialist skill and a team of fully trained, full-time dedicated observers was created.
The first police helicopters
Within this section of the website you can find information on some of our specialist teams and units.
Introduction | Devon & Cornwall Police
Just click on 'Helicopter'
And to add one of Wales'forces to the list;
■Operational Support Services
North Wales Police includes the services of dedicated and specialist teams of officers. Operational Support provides tactical and operational response to incidents. These include:
■Operational Planning
■Armed Response
■Air Operations (Helicopter)
■Dogs
■Firearms Training
■Go Safe
■Custody
Who we are and what we do