New officers praised for their swift action as they remove bags of drugs off the Havering streets.

Well done to PC Manzi and PC Gent who have just qualified for independent foot patrol and on their first outing, removed bags of cannabis from Romford.

 “The whole situation was my first real taste of how a situation can go from zero to 100% in a second”, said PC Simon Gent, describing the moment he chased a man with drugs through Romford town centre.   

 He and PC Mollie Manzi spotted a man they suspected of smoking cannabis – and sprang into action when the man decided to evade arrest by attempting to run away.

The pair, who despite only having just qualified for independent foot patrol, kept up pace with the suspect, who they could see was discarding a bag as he ran. 

After a short and determined foot chase, they arrested the man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs. They also recovered the bag he had dropped, and inside found 16 bags of cannabis. When he was searched, even more cannabis was found, along with two mobile phones and a large quantity of cash.

PC Gent said:

“It was exciting when the street duties team zeroed in on us to support – made possible by Mollie’s great radio commentary – and surged to assist. At that moment, I think we both felt part of a bigger team.”

PC Manzi said:

“This was my first arrest without the tutors assisting, I was very nervous and adrenaline was high.

“This was the first time I felt like a police officer rather than a student in a classroom.”

Both officers have a short period of time in the job and have been commended as a credit to themselves and the Met, after the arrest on 10 February. 

Street duties help officers build confidence and apply knowledge without tutors present.

Both PC Gent and PC Manzi are looking forward to joining ERPT on the 27th February 2023 and continuing their role protecting the community in Havering.

Great work by our officers!

PC Gent and PC Manzi.

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