Volunteer police cadets launch around Essex

04 May Volunteer police cadets launch around Essex

We’re on the lookout for young people aged between 13-17 years old who are interested in policing, to join an exciting new scheme in Basildon, Colchester and Thurrock.

After the success of our first Volunteer Police Cadet schemes in Chelmsford and Maldon, Southend, and Epping, we are looking to begin the next Cadet Units in February.

The Volunteer Police Cadet Programme is open to young people in Essex aged between 13 and 18 years old, of all backgrounds and social circumstances, and to those vulnerable to crime or social exclusion.

The programme, initially launched in April last year, helps young people learn about various aspects of safety, the law and policing practice, with a particular focus on subjects relevant to teenagers, such as knife crime and cyber bullying.

As part of the programme, young people are given the chance to volunteer alongside police officers and staff, taking part in a wide range of community safety activities.

The aim is to prepare young people for their future by providing varied activities and opportunities to develop qualifications, enhance interpersonal skills and confidence, and achieve a sense of pride through supporting community policing. In recent months, our cadets have volunteered in care homes, lent a helping hand at Christmas parades and helped overhaul a school garden.

Amy-Neave Purser has been part of the Chelmsford and Maldon Cadet Unit since it launched in April. “My advice for anyone that wants to join the cadets to just do it – give it a go!” says Amy “It can be quite daunting at first, but it is one of the best things I’ve done – I’ve made great friendships from this.”

Application forms for the Basildon, Colchester and Thurrock units are available via the email address below and recruitment closes on Friday, 22 January, 2016.

For further information about the VPC scheme or to request an application form, please contact [email protected].

Picture: Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh welcomes cadets to Police HQ for the launch of the scheme