Former Racing Driver Joins Havering Police Officers On A Ride-A-Along To Shine A Light On The Incredible Work Response Officers Do.

When he’s not found with a mic in his hand, Tom Gaymor is found supporting frontline police officers. The former racing driver and now motorsports commentator is passionate about highlighting the unsung heroes across the Met police that quietly go about their job everyday saving lives.

On Saturday, Tom joined officers from Havering police on one of their ride-a-long sessions, to once again see with his very own eyes the high level of work these officers under take in our community and the enormity of the pressure they are under.

Tom told the Havering Daily: “Response policing really is unlike anything else. The first two calls PC Taff and PC Emily received were two sudden deaths. Their shift had just began, when they were already dealing with so much trauma. From there, their calls varied incredibly from dealing with a very difficult domestic incident- to then being told that there was goat lose on a major road.

“It is important to mention that response officers arrive on scene of the incident and have literally minutes to ascertain what has happened and are automatically expected to know everything about everything. They are also under immense scrutiny. I have been spat on and sworn at on one of my previous ride-a-alongs and I’m not even a police officer.”

Tom is a well known motorsports commentator whose open support of the incredible work police officers do has rightly gained him a lot of respect in the policing world for being such a positive police ambassador.

“Policing is under incredible pressure and It is really important to shine a light on the shinning lights out there. My work is about empowering the many wonderful people in the policing world.

“On my recent ride-a-along in Havering I once again saw the incredible dedication these response officers have. PC Taff has 30 years of experience and was able to deal with every call extremely professionally. PC Emily showed so much caring and compassion in dealing with the two sudden deaths. She spent hours with relatives and her kindness was unquestionable.

“I was able to see just how difficult shifts are for officers. Due to the lack of ambulances, officers had to bring a person to the hospital and when we got to Queen’s hospital, we saw the long queue of ambulances waiting.

“Both of these officers are compassionate and understanding and despite being under pressure to respond to calls, spent time with those that needed support.”

Tom’s first ride-a-along was on the South West BCU when he was invited out by the Borough Commander and since then his journey of supporting our frontline officers has grown from strength to strength. Today, Tom is respected by officers across the country for his open support of their work and how he highlights the pressures they are under.

“Police officers need more mental health support, the current system they have is failing them. The pressures they are under are unlike any others and as such, it is vital they have the right support.”

Thanks to Tom, the reality of response policing is highlighted. The reality of the hard work they do, the pressures they are under and the abuse they face is shown to the community.

Tom finishes, “There are so many wonderful people in policing and we must shine a light on them.”

Pc Taff Edwards told the Havering Daily:”It was a very busy shift and Tom was able to see the pressures we are under and the difficulties we face. Ultimately this is what we do and Tom was able to see the reality of response policing.”

PC Taff is keen for all members of the community to have the opportunity to join officers on their ride-a-along scheme.

“I am a schools officer as well and thanks to these ride-a-alongs two pupils who I Knew since year 7 have now joined the Met and are police officers.

“These ride-a-alongs give the community the opportunity to see the challenges and work we face each day. I encourage people to come and join us on a ride-a-along.”

PC Emily, Tom Gaymor and PC Taff in Havering.

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