Police helicopter operations are governed by Civil Aviation Authority regulations and this includes where and why the helicopter may land. During the day the aircraft may land at any rural location that the pilot judges to be safe. Hazards such as power cables, debris and uneven ground can be seen by the crew, reducing to a minimum the dangers associated with ad hoc landing sites. For the purpose of saving life, the helicopter can also land in town or other congested areas. However at night, the various hazards cannot easily been seen and the danger to the crew and members of the public generally outweighs the potential benefit to a casualty.
All helicopters are dangerous.
The main rotors blades may be at head height when the aircraft lands at a scene of an accident. The crew will ensure that no one approaches the helicopter until it is safe to do so. This will be after the engines have stopped and the rotors are no longer turning. The aircraft is equipped with radios which enable contact with Police, Ambulance, Firebrigade and Coastguard. There are legal strictions on the use of PR frequencies by aircraft.