The Staffordshire Police Cadets were at the Longton Emergency Services Day in Stoke-on-Trent to mark the graduation of 2,000 Junior Cadets.
The Staffordshire Police Cadets were joined by the Junior Cadets and Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, Matthew Ellis before their inspection and drill display during the afternoon.
The Junior Cadets were invited into the main arena to join the Police Cadets and the Police Officers and PCSO’s who have worked them to celebrate the graduation of 2,000 juniors through the scheme.
The original Cadet scheme, for 14 to 17-year-olds, was initiated in 2013 by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between police and young people and promote good citizenship. Successful units are up and running in Cannock, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, Longton and Codsall.
The programme has been expanded with the Junior Cadet scheme being taking place in primary schools for eight to ten-year-olds across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The scheme is being run at no cost to the children or their schools with all expenses met by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Corporate Social Responsibility Fund, a registered charity which is funded by donations from businesses and individuals.
Matthew Ellis, Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, said: “I felt very proud to see the youngsters in their uniform looking mature and professional. The cadet scheme has been a great success.”
Businesses are invited to become Patrons or Sponsors to help fund uniforms and equipment for the Cadets. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities. Police Mutual became the inaugural Patrons after paying for uniforms for Cadets in the Stafford unit.
To find out more information on the Police Cadets or how you can support the Police Cadets go to: www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
