RTL, - Are you seriously suggesting that the Police should not be in control of POLICE AIR SUPPORT? If so what planet do you come from?
From day 1 of the Police use of helicopters we have fully accepted not only will the service ONLY employ fully qualified pilots with a minimum of 1,500 hours relevant helicopter experience. We have always accepted the captain's decision in all matters of flight safety whilst both considering and in the execution of the task. But it is, and must remain a Police Aircraft. Therefore it will be for the Police duty crew in consultation with the Pilot to decide whether any request for service will be accommodated.
Chief Constables do not make decisions on such matters, they are not qualified. Policy matters are another issue completely and will result in certain guidelines being issued to units. However All Police Officers howsoever engaged in their duty, have a responsibility under the Crown for the protection of life and property. I know of no Officer who in receipt of a request to attend a serious incident would refuse to assist, because no prior agreement to pay was in place. (Flight Safety matters always taking precedence).
I have no other issues that bear on such considerations and do not subscribe to facebook or another social media, Neither do I consider that any one part of the UK is more important than any other. What is more important to any Police Air support unit, is where they can be located to provide the best service to the area of greatest crime activity. That is what a POLICE aircraft is supposed to do!
I do accept though your questioning of whether Wakefield is the best placed location to manage the National Picture. Personally I would prefer a system of Regional centres working to a National Administrative Policy.
TF