New Cadet Scheme Launched In Suffolk 07 Sep 2011 A new cadet scheme was formally launched at Police Headquarters at Martlesham Heath last night, Tuesday 6 September, with 39 young people taking application packs to join the pilot for the initiative.
The Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme is aimed at those aged 13 to 16 and will see young people being invited to attend weekly meetings to get an insight into what police work is all about.
Initially the pilot scheme will be open only to young people in the Felixstowe, Woodbridge and Kesgrave area, with the first cadet unit, which will consist of 24 young people and four leaders, being based at Police Headquarters.
Work has been going on behind the scenes to find the first candidates for the scheme with the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams going out and about in recent weeks to invite local young people and their parents/ guardians along to the first information evening that was held at Police Headquarter last night.
As this is a pilot these first candidates have been selected through this invitation process but it is hoped that, if successful, the scheme will be rolled out across Suffolk and at this stage young people in different areas of the county will be asked to register their interest as it is established in local police stations.
The scheme is designed to run alongside the existing Suffolk Special Constabulary – adult volunteers - and police support volunteers who give up their own time to assist with policing in the county.
Inspector Steve Gallant, who is leading the project, said it was an opportunity for young people to get involved in local policing.
“Suffolk Police are committed to engaging with young people at all levels and, as a community, it is important to recognise that the majority are not involved in anti-social behaviour and are responsible law-abiding citizens who have a lot to offer and who want to make a positive contribution.
“When it is fully established we hope the Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme will give an opportunity for them to contribute in a way which will have benefits for them and the communities they live in.
“The initiative also provides us with the chance to build bridges with young people, make good use of their skills and enthusiasm, and encourage good citizenship, while they have the opportunity to develop skills that will assist them in a competitive job market, to make new friends and to see for themselves what police work is all about.
“We are pleased with the turn-out last night and we hope our first intake of cadets will come from the 39 from the Felixstowe, Woodbridge and Kesgrave area who have registered an interest and taken away an application pack.”
The scheme is designed to not only appeal to those who may already be considering a police career but also to those who may have been in trouble before and are in need of diversion to help them make more positive life choices, with the motto of ‘it’s not where you’ve come from; it’s where you’re going to that counts’.
The training aims to encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership, regardless of current ability and, all being well, the pilot should be up and running by the end of October.
While acceptance on the Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme will in no way ensure any application for employment within Suffolk Constabulary will be treated more favourably, the scheme will provide a good insight into many aspects of police work and teach many of the skills needed to work in the profession.
Cadets will be recruited in the 13 to 16-year-old age range but will be allowed to remain as a cadet until their 18th birthday.
Anyone who may be interested in the scheme as it develops in other areas of the county can email cadetsinfo@suffolk.pnn.police.uk or, if you live in the Felixstowe, Kesgrave or Woodbridge area you will be able to get an application pack from your local police station from tomorrow, Thursday 8 September.
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Edited by carty23, 07 September 2011 - 12:40 PM.
Broken Link Fixed
