The Police Cadet Scheme launched by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis, to give young people new skills and confidence, has celebrated two years of success.
Mr Ellis and his Deputy PCC Sue Arnold marked the milestone in Tamworth when they met with the new cadets, watched the drill practice and discussed the importance of being a police cadet.
Cadet units have flourished in Stoke-on-Trent, Cannock, Stafford and now Tamworth. The Tamworth unit opened in March 2015 with and units in other areas will open in due course.
Mr Ellis said: “I felt very proud to see the youngsters in their uniform looking mature and professional, the cadet scheme has been a great success and it was also great to celebrate two years since the Cadets started.
“The Cadet scheme is all about giving advantages to young people through allowing them to gain life skills such as responsibility and discipline.
“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 Cadet scheme was initiated by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship.
Cadets work towards nationally recognised qualifications in team-working, citizenship and personal skills following a detailed programme that covers every aspect of policing and how they support the police in keeping our communities safe and reassured.
Alongside the senior Cadet scheme, hundreds of Junior Cadets aged eight to ten have taken part in an ongoing primary school programme launched last summer.
Businesses are also 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.
For more details on Cadets and the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
