Choppers are not taxis

I READ your article with interest, it is a similar jolly to when the Met helicopters first went to Loughton. A number of senior police officers immediately saw it as a nice way of getting from meeting to meeting especially when it could reduce travel t

I READ your article with interest, it is a similar 'jolly' to when the Met helicopters first went to Loughton.

A number of senior police officers immediately saw it as a nice way of getting from meeting to meeting especially when it could reduce travel time between constabularies.

"The helicopter, Sir, is for apprehending criminals not a fancy taxi for senior officers."

A twin engine helicopter costs over £1 million: three crews for 24-hour operation, annual and 100 hour servicing, fuel, depreciation, insurance etc etc now exceed £30,000 per flying hour.

Whoever thought this out is so far from reality he should retire and ponder on what policing is really about and who pays for it.

John Rollason, address withheld