J.A.F.O, spot on! (Yes I'm still here, getting a bit wrinkly now). This is exactly the scenario we predicted a few years ago when NPAS was set up, deliberately ignoring all of the experience we were able to offer.
Then most forces were putting in around 1,000 hrs per year, way over the totals today. But then we were effective. Taking prisoners and having an effect on crime. Cover was rapid and a Police officer in trouble on the ground could expect support in quick time. Evidential photographs were taken on return flights to assist court cases. Today none of that can be relied upon so the number of requests has plummeted.
This is a classic case of the Accountants knowing the cost of everything and the value of nothing!
And to those of you who promote the minimalist training given today I say this, - When the tool that you use, the helicopter is valued at...... Do you really want to risk not getting the best out of it by failing to train your crews properly?
Tigerfish, - Still out there, and still listening to what is going on. Deeply saddened by some attitudes, but that is what was always going to happen when NPAS was given the go ahead in the way that it was!
