Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Staffordshire and the county’s police force are delighted to announce the opening of their seventh police cadet unit in Burton, East Staffordshire.
The Staffordshire Police Cadets, established by the PCC Matthew Ellis in 2013 and delivered by Staffordshire Police, regularly take part in lots of different activities in the community and work towards nationally recognised qualifications.
Applications are invited from young people aged 13 – 17 who live in East Staffordshire.
Since their launch cadet units have helped young people become more confident and outgoing and develop skills for life, while also helping build positive links with the police.
Mr Ellis said:
‘This is brilliant news for young people in East Staffordshire. When I had the idea for the cadets, it was all about investing in the young people of Staffordshire and helping them to reach their full potential and become good citizens.
‘The cadets is a great opportunity for them to develop social and leadership skills as well as helping to build their self-esteem, motivation and confidence. There has been some great feedback about the cadets in other units from members of the public and I’m sure the East Staffordshire Cadets will be a big success.’
Burslem Police Cadet Megan Montford joined the Burslem Cadet unit when it launched in 2014. She was given the opportunity to visit South Africa after Staffordshire Police Cadets put her forward for national educational charity CVQO’s Duke of Westminster award, which recognises exemplary cadets from organisations including the armed forces, police and fire service.
Megan said: “When I joined the cadets I was shy and I wouldn’t speak to anybody. I look back now and see how much confidence the cadets has given me along with opportunities to do things and meet so many nice people in the police service.”
Superintendent Elliott Sharrard-Williams, of Staffordshire Police, added:
‘We currently have 160 police cadets across Staffordshire, who are making a real difference to their local communities, by helping the police engage with young people and assisting with crime prevention.
‘Cadets develop skills of leadership, problem solving, decision making and communication through community service and learning about the police.
‘Our police cadets are very much part of the Staffordshire Police family and spend time getting to know what the police do, helping their communities through good citizenship and community service.’
All costs associated with the Staffordshire Police Cadets are met by the Commissioner’s Corporate Social Responsibility Fund and businesses are invited to become patrons or sponsors to help fund uniforms and equipment for the cadets.
If you want to join please complete the online application form at www.staffordshire.police.uk/article/6722/Cadet-Recruitment. Closing date for applications is Friday 17th March.
We are also looking for volunteers to help run the new East Staffordshire Cadet Unit in Burton. For more information on Staffordshire’s Police Cadets visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets/ or call 01785 232221 to express your interest in joining as a cadet or leader.
