Staffordshire Young Police Cadets spent several hours assisting officers who were conducting road side checks on vehicles as part of a crackdown on drink driving.
Cadets were on hand to give out leaflets advising motorists on the dangers of drinking while over the limit in the Stafford area last Sunday, 1 December.
The operation resulted in 177 vehicles being stopped, eight negative breath tests, 17 motorists given advice regarding tyre condition, two fixed penalty tickets issued for vehicle excise offences, one vehicle seized for a customs offence and 13 crime prevention letters sent to motorists who had left vehicles insecure or who had valuables on show.
The Cadet scheme was a key election pledge for Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis. It aims to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship. Successful Cadets units have already been launched in Stafford and Cannock thanks to funding from Patrons and Sponsors.
Mr Ellis said: “The heart of the scheme is to reconnect youngsters more widely with the police service in Staffordshire. It’s about developing young people and giving them a sense of civic duty, building character and helping them become responsible citizens.”
Staffordshire Young Police Cadets have now been in service for over six months and are proving to be a big hit in the community.
Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said: “The cadets worked alongside our regular officers to help us communicate the impact drink driving can have on those involved. This builds on the long term partnership work which has helped reduce the harm caused on Staffordshire’s roads by those who choose to drink and drive.
“It’s amazing to see how the Cadets have grown and developed in their role since the scheme started and it’s a result of their own dedication and that of our staff who volunteer their time to help train and develop the skills of the Cadets.”
The Cadets also spent several hours in Lichfield on Saturday delivering leaflets to advertising the British Police Symphony Orchestra (BPSO) event that is taking place on Saturday 12 April 2014 at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre.
The BPSO is made up of musicians from across the UK, many who are either serving or retired police officers, police staff or other members of the extended police family.
All proceeds will go towards the Staffordshire Police Cadets allowing new units to be formed, uniforms to be provided, transport allocated and much more.
Tickets priced between £18 and £20 are on sale now at www.lichfieldgarrick.com.
For more information on the Cadets visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
