The first batch of Staffordshire Young Police Cadets graduated with flying colours at a special ceremony last night.
All 32 members of the Cadets unit in Stafford were presented with certificates at the prestigious event at police headquarters.
The Cadet scheme was a key election 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.
One of the Cadets, Sam Downing, also received a High Sheriff’s Award, presented by High Sheriff of Staffordshire Susie Lillingston and Assistant Chief Constable Julian Blazeby, for his ‘outstanding contribution’ to the Cadets.
Sam said: “I love being a Cadet. I’ve only been one since May but it’s already given me so much. Through the Cadet service I’ve learnt some really important things that are not only helping me now, but will help me even more in the future.
“My organisational skills are much better and I stick at things now. I get things done. It’s all because of being in a more disciplined environment but also being given more responsibility.
“I’m out and about in the community a lot and really enjoy meeting people. I’ve represented the Cadets in open days and local community fayres and really want to do more with the community. I feel that my life has really changed for the better and I’ve got more of the skills that I need for the future.”
Mr Ellis joined Chief Constable Mike Cunningham to present certificates to the 14 to 17-year-olds exactly six months after the unit was officially launched on 16 April.
Mr Ellis said: “This was the first of many graduation ceremonies for Staffordshire’s Young Police Cadets Service.
“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.
“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.
“All of the youngsters who took part can be really proud of the effort they’ve put in over the last six months.
“The heart of the scheme is to reconnect youngsters more widely with the police service in Staffordshire. It’s about developing young people, building their leadership skills and understanding what it is to be a good citizen.”
Following the successful launch of the Stafford unit, a Cadets unit in Cannock is also up and running with further units to follow. Cadets work towards Duke of Edinburgh bronze, silver and gold awards having a go at hiking, climbing and orienteering.
Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said: “Cadets take part in lots of different activities and learn more about what police life is like. They get to wear their own police cadet uniform and help keep communities safe and reassured.
“This could mean giving out safety advice to local people or helping us to find out about their concerns. They also learn more about how we track down criminals, about the gadgets and equipment we use to fight crime and have a go at operational personal safety training.”
Police officers who volunteer to help run the Stafford unit were also recognised at the ceremony and presented with certificates by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold.
Mr Ellis 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 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. Police Mutual became the inaugural Patrons after paying for uniforms for Cadets in the Stafford unit. They attended last night’s ceremony along with other supporters.
For more details on Cadets and the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
