The first batch of Staffordshire’s Young Police Cadets from the Cannock Unit celebrated their achievements in an awards evening on Monday 9 December 2013.
All 21 members of the Cadets unit in Cannock were presented with certificates of achievement, including personal safety and drill, at the prestigious event at Cannock Community fire station.
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.
Mr Ellis joined Assistant Chief Constable Julian Blazeby and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold to present certificates to the 14 to 17-year-olds.
Mr Ellis said: “This was the first of many graduation ceremonies for the Cannock Branch of Staffordshire’s Young Police Cadets Service.
“The service is all about giving advantages to young people – some from challenging backgrounds – who through a positive and vibrant programme can learn how to become responsible citizens.
“This is not about youngsters from elite and advantaged backgrounds. It’s about giving young people an opportunity to build character and a sense of civic duty, no matter what their challenges.
“The heart of the scheme is to reconnect youngsters more widely with the police service in Staffordshire. It’s about developing young people, building their leadership skills and understanding what it is to be a good citizen.”
Cadets work towards Duke of Edinburgh bronze, silver and gold awards having a go at hiking, climbing and orienteering.
Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said: “I am very proud of the young people who have joined the Staffordshire Police Cadets units in Stafford and Cannock. The dedication and commitment of those young people gives me confidence in the future, every week they learn new skills and they are already making a fantastic contribution to their communities as well as gaining a real insight into our work.
“I am really pleased that another group of Cadets are now in uniform and are out in our community and I look forward to seeing our latest recruits grow and develop over the coming months.”
Police officers who volunteer to help run the Stafford unit were also recognised at the ceremony and presented with certificates by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold.
Kerry Wright, from the Cannock Chase District Council Partnership team, was presented with a certificate of thanks for becoming a Gold Patron of the Cadet scheme.
Mr Ellis has stated that he will not redirect money that’s used for frontline policing to fund the Cadets Service. Businesses are being 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. They attended last night’s ceremony along with other supporters.
