A second group of Staffordshire Young Police Cadets graduated with pride at a special ceremony last night.
Eighteen members of the Cadets unit in Cannock were presented with certificates at the prestigious event at police headquarters.
The Cadet scheme was a key 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.
Mr Ellis joined Assistant Chief Constable Julian Blazeby to present certificates to the 14 to 17-year-olds five months after the Cannock unit launched last September Police officers who volunteer to help run the Cannock unit were also recognised at the ceremony and presented with certificates by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold.
Mr Ellis said: “It was great to be at the second graduation event for Cadets following a similar ceremony for Stafford Cadets last year. The police officers, Specials and others who volunteer as leaders were buzzing with pride.
“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 Cannock youngsters who took part last night can be really proud of the effort they’ve put in over the last five 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.”
People can now donate directly to the Cadets Service through a simple text message. Using the JustGiving charitable platform, they can make donations of £2, £5, £10 or any other amount by texting ‘CDET17 £2 (or another amount)’ to 70070. Mr Ellis has stated that he will not redirect money that’s used for frontline policing to fund the Cadets Service, so donations will help pay for uniforms, equipment and transport for the youngsters.
Cadets work towards Duke of Edinburgh bronze, silver and gold awards having a go at hiking, climbing and orienteering.
ACC Blazeby said: “I am very proud of the young people who have joined the Staffordshire Police Cadets units in Stafford and Cannock. The dedication and commitment of those young people gives me confidence in the future.
“Every week they learn new skills and they are already making a fantastic contribution to their communities as well as gaining a real insight into our work.”
People can also support the Cadets through a fundraising concert for the Cadets by the British Police Symphony Orchestra at Lichfield Garrick Theatre on Saturday 12 April, 7.30pm. For more information visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Meanwhile, 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.
For more details on Cadets and the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
