Police Cadets shone as they carried out their civic duties at an event for the new High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Johnny Leavesley.
The Police Cadet Scheme was launched by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis, to give young people new skills and confidence. It recently celebrated two years of success.
Cadet units have flourished in Stoke-on-Trent, Cannock, Stafford and now Tamworth. The Tamworth unit opened in March 2015 and is home to the official High Sherriff’s Cadet Ellie Gould. Units in other areas will open in due course.
Deputy PCC Sue Arnold joined Cadets at the High Sheriff’s Garden Party near Alrewas on Friday night, 3 July.
She said: “It was fantastic to see the Cadets perform their civic duty at the High Sheriff’s event. They are a real credit to themselves and the communities they represent.
“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.”
Mr Leavesley was sworn in as High Sheriff, the Crown’s representative to all aspects of law and order within Staffordshire, in April and intends to visit every police station during his term in office.
He said: “I was especially pleased to meet the Tamworth Police Cadets as I am a keen supporter of all they do. Police Cadets give superb opportunities to young people and undertake valuable ambassadorial roles in our communities.
“They very kindly officiated at my two High Sheriff’s Garden Parties for county dignitaries and it was thrilling to meet Cadet Ellie Gould, who has been appointed my official High Sheriff’s Cadet, and watch her cope with aplomb with her official duties. They are great examples of youthful verve and responsibility and deserve our support.”
The Cadet scheme was initiated 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
