NPAS was formed to deliver more cost effective police aerial support.
That is exactly what they are doing.
If you look at the twitter feeds on the NPAS site it is evident that many police helicopter sorties are still missing persons who turn up.
This from Bournmouth last night.
00:45 Hrs lifted to assist Avon and Somerset Police with a high risk missing person in South Somerset area. They returned home of their own accord safe and well as we arrived on scene. #DR
https://www.facebook.com/NPAS45/?hc_...MELINE&fref=nf
Benson is the same.
NPAS Benson @NPAS_Benson
1145hrs - lifted to assist @tvprp and @TVP_Oxford look for a stolen vehicle. No trace... #p1526
NPAS Benson @NPAS_Benson
2015hrs - assisting @wiltshirepolice in Swindon looking for a missing male. Found with relatives. #p1526
What did those cost?
The money saved should be funnelled to solving crime.
A recent Freedom of Information request revealed fewer than 10 per cent of the 2,125,861 burglaries committed over six years were solved, with only 206,009 culprits identified.
Bedfordshire Police had the worst record on burglary, solving only 6 per cent of cases over six years.
Meanwhile they waste money on petty crime air support.
NPAS Benson @NPAS_Benson
24/3 2300hrs searching Biggleswade area with @bedspolice & @BCHPoliceDogs unit after persons made off from a vehicle #p6572
Like many I want to see more police on the streets and not wasting money on what are mostly false alarms or stolen cars.