Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, spoke at an Alzheimers drop-in session last week (Thursday 15 October) to update members on the work the Staffordshire Police Cadets carry out in their community.
Mr Ellis spoke about the Cadet scheme which he first introduced in April 2013 with an aim to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship.
Successful units have been launched in Stafford, Cannock, Stoke-on-Trent North, Tamworth and recently Stoke-on-Trent South. There are now over 100 Staffordshire Police Cadets and over 1,000 Junior Police Cadets.
Mr Ellis said: “It was fantastic to talk to the members and volunteers of the Stone Alzheimers drop-in group. I received a warm welcome and there was an excellent question and answer session.
“Our Cadets show fantastic dedication and commitment to the scheme and every week they are learning new skills, as well as gaining a real insight into our work.
“It isn’t about recruiting police officers – it’s about developing young people and giving them a sense of civic duty, building character and helping them become responsible citizens.”
The Commissioner 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 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
