This thread is about attacks on Police helicopters. Chopjock's well known views on helicopter costs can be addressed in UK Police Helicopter budget cuts. :ok:

Are there no Police HQ's in City centres that would allow helicopter operations off the roof?
I'm assuming there must be a good reason why this isn't done?
I would have thought the pros would outnumber the cons and immediately the security problem is solved and being based in City centres is very close to where the majority of crime is committed.

Beaufort: welcome to the forum. Commercial helicopters (which is what police helos are, as they are fee paying passengers on board) need specific take off distances etc. This cannot invariably be achieved coming off roof tops. [It does happen, but is rare due to aircraft performance etc).
It's all about the engine failing shortly after takeoff and having to 'reject' back to its hover spot.

Thanks for the welcome TC and the explanation. I should have worked that out for myself :O.

Chop jock
 

Beaufort 1. There also is the issue of whether the structure is up to the additional weight of a roof top helipad, apparently it was looked at some time ago and our HQ isn't up to it.

Hi Small man.:ok: Doubt it would be cheaper, it's all go to be produced to the same standard

Rooftop ops etc
 

Hi Beaufort 1,

As well as the (lack of) space available for a helipad mentioned by TC, there are lots of additional reasons why a city-centre police HQ rooftop might not make a suitable operating base:
1. There aren't many such buildings in the UK that are stressed for rooftop ops.
2. The supply of fuel and associated safety requirements would be tricky at best.
3. Spares delivery and storage, and storage space for maintenance equipment would be very awkward for a rooftop site.
4. Hangarage (essential) in addition to the helipad would result in a very large footprint.
5. The noise nuisance resulting from city centre rooftop ops at 3am wouldn't endear the police helo to the locals!
6. While it would certainly provide a rapid response to the town/city where the HQ is located, it might not be the best location to provide the best support to the 'bigger picture'.

Having said all that, a rooftop site at our main HQ would cut my journey to/from work, so the idea must have some merit!

As far as operating in a single for police ops is concerned, you've got to be kidding. There are simply too many occasions when, in order to do my job properly, the only autorotation landing area available would be a residential street cluttered with lights and cars (moving and stationary), never mind the residents. That's not my definition of a suitable landing area, so the unsuitability of a single-engined machine is beyond question (for me).

Explorer99

There are less and less Police HQs being built in city centres. This is a deliberate act on two fronts.
1. The cost of land in city centres.
2. Lessons learned during the Toxteth Riots in the 1980s when Merseyside Police HQ was within throwing distance.
Not only do you get a broken helicopter but several million pounds worth of building and equipment surrounding it.
I can't see why people are surprised about attacks on helicopters. Police vehicles have always been damaged when parked and unattended. It is merely the cost of repairs which has changed.

A somewhat out of date and inaccurate statement.

TC, you're obviously forgetting about helipad performance.