Youngsters in the Tamworth area can now apply to join the newest unit of Staffordshire Police Cadets.
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.
Cadet units have flourished in Stoke-on-Trent, Cannock and Stafford since their launch in 2013. The fourth unit, in Tamworth, will meet one night per week and we are looking to recruit youngsters from the Tamworth Borough Council area aged 14 to 17.
Mr Ellis said: “I’ve heard several stories about how being a Cadet has turned around a young person’s life – giving them confidence and a sense of purpose and responsibility.
“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. It’s fantastic that Tamworth can now benefit from having a Cadets unit as well.
“This is about giving young people an opportunity to build character and a sense of civic duty, no matter what their challenges, giving them leadership skills and an understanding of what it is to be a good citizen. I’m really looking forward to welcoming more young people into the service as it continues to spread across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”
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.
Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said: “This latest recruitment will mean we have over 100 Staffordshire Police Cadets. When I meet these young people I always sense their pride and enthusiasm at being a Staffordshire Police Cadet. 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.”
For more details on joining the Tamworth unit visit www.staffordshire.police.uk/cadets or www.facebook.com/StaffsCadets
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.
The Commissioner has stated that he will not redirect money that’s used for frontline policing to fund the Cadets Service. It is funded through the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund which is a registered charity and now has its own text message account on JustGiving, the leading web platform for charitable giving.People can make donations of £2, £5, £10 or any other amount by texting ‘CDET17 £2 (or another amount)’ to 70070.
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. More information is available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
