Staffordshire Police Junior Cadets welcomed Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis and Chief Constable Jane Sawyers to their graduation today, Thursday 18 December.
The youngsters at Priory Primary School, Jubilee Road, Trentham, took part in a special assembly, which parents also attended, to mark the six month anniversary of the scheme.
The original Cadet scheme, for 14 to 17-year-olds, was initiated in 2013 by the Police and Crime Commissioner to strengthen links between police and young people and promote good citizenship. Successful units are already up and running in Cannock, Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent with more soon to follow.
The Junior scheme was launched in June at Heron Cross Primary school by Mr Ellis and the then Chief Constable, Mike Cunningham. Since then, nearly 900 children aged eight to 10 have completed, or are due to enrol upon, the programme.
Mr Ellis said: “The original cadets scheme has provided a positive influence to the lives of many young people – some from challenging backgrounds. It’s fantastic that primary school children have now become Junior Cadets and take part in a fun-packed programme which teaches them how to become responsible citizens.
“PCSOs already play a crucial role in local schools and giving them responsibility for the junior Cadets will only strengthen these relationships further.
“I am so pleased so many primary schools have taken the Junior Cadet scheme on. Our aim is for as many children as possible to take part and benefit from the skills they learn.”
Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said: “The Junior Cadet scheme was launched on 6 June this year. The programme consists of six one hour sessions led by one of our PCSOs. The sessions are designed to develop the children’s communications skills and responsible behaviour. It also aims to build the children’s confidence and to encourage respect for others as well as contributing towards children’s literacy and fostering early engagement with the Police.
“I’m delighted with the way the scheme has been received and the numbers of pupils who have taken up the opportunity to become a Junior Cadet.”
Mrs Sawyers and Mr Ellis presented the graduating junior cadets with their certificates during the assembly. The cadets also made a promise to the community in front of assembled fellow pupils, parents, the Chief Constable and the PCC.
Businesses are being invited to become Patrons and Sponsors to fund the Cadets Service. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities. For more details visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
