Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) for Staffordshire Sue Arnold has seen first hand, new life-skills training police cadets in Burton are benefiting from.
The “soft skills” training was instigated by the DPCC and includes teaching the cadets how to deal with difficult situations, tips on CV writing, interview and presentation skills and personal financial management.
The Staffordshire Police Cadet Service was launched by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship. There are currently units in Stafford, Cannock, Burslem, Tamworth, Longton, Codsall and Burton with more planned for the future.
Mrs Arnold said: “The Staffordshire Police Cadet Service is all about encouraging young people – some from challenging backgrounds – through a positive and vibrant programme. I was thrilled and extremely proud to see the progress the Burton unit have made since my last visit.
“The cadet scheme has had a positive influence on the lives of many young people in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The cadet scheme is all about giving advantages to young people through allowing them to gain life skills such as responsibility and discipline.”
The police cadets work towards several nationally recognised qualifications including team-working and citizenship. Many of the cadets have found that through the scheme they are becoming not only more confident and outgoing, but that they are also benefiting both socially and academically, all while helping to build links between the police and young people.
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. More information is available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
For more details on cadets and the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
