YOP - you'll probably find the truth is that there is plenty that they CANT show on telly.
You also might find that most 'car chases' end before the helicopter crew put down their cups of tea. It'll be the serious ones intent on driving recklessly that the helicopter will catch up with and its not the helicopter that prolongues the pursuit (aside from Emmerdale) as there will be plenty of cars behind the culprit at this point. As you will see from TV - the helicopter comes in handy at the end of the pursuit when the guy bails out and gives officers the run around. Are you saying we just shouldnt bother? What if the driver has legged it because he's one of the norfolks most wanted boat thiefs?
How many square metres can three bobbies cover/contain on the ground?
Small asset or large asset - if its been nicked and theres a good chance of finding it (i.e large open areas such as fens) then surely every asset should be utilised?