Staffordshire Police Cadets were given the royal seal of approval at a special event in Lichfield.
Four Cadets from Cannock and Stafford were on duty to welcome Princess Alexandra to Police Mutual’s headquarters in Lichfield when she visited the city on Friday, 11 July.
The Cadet scheme was a key 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. Units have already been established in Stafford, Cannock and Stoke-on-Trent with others set to follow in the coming months.
Police Mutual became the inaugural patrons of the Cadets scheme and paid for uniforms for the first unit when it launched in Stafford last year. Princess Alexandra was returning to the headquarters which she officially opened when Police Mutual moved to Lichfield in 1970.
Deputy PCC Sue Arnold, who was at the royal event along with Chief Constable Mike Cunningham, said: “The Cadets were spectacular and looked at ease meeting royalty as if it was an everyday occurrence.
“They spoke to Princess Alexandra and carried out duties including opening the car doors for her to alight and leave.
“In just over 12 months since the first unit was launched, the service has made a real difference to the lives of over 100 young people – and this event was a shining example of the high standards they are setting.”
Mr Ellis has stated that he will not redirect money that’s used for frontline policing to fund the Cadets Service, so patrons and sponsors help pay for uniforms, equipment and transport for the youngsters.
For more information on Staffordshire’s Police Cadets, including details about the new Junior Police Cadets, visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets/
