Following this thread with interest, but what I have to say is you can never replace or replicate experience but also nobody is irreplaceable.
The talk of ex military or Joe civie off the street not being able to do the job is Little elitist.
That's were training comes into it, train, train and train some more and when you finally tick all the training objectives and pass the test you are sent out on probation with and experienced or Senior TFO (Snr TFO mans the radio's, controls the mapping and tells the Camera operator and pilot where to point the camera/aircraft)
Being within the said environment is the only way you will become experienced. A pilot has to start at the basics, A soldier, Sailor, Airman has to make the grade before being let lose in their own role.
So to say that TFO's are immune from civilization is not insurmountable IMHO.
Pilot (civie), Camera Operator/TFO (civie) Snr TFO (Police Officer)
To make it work (and I agree a Police helicopter is for the Police) you at least have to have 1 Police officer on board.
Standing by with hands on head for incoming
