Staffordshire Young Police Cadets welcomed the scheme’s inaugural patrons to their weekly session.
The cadets were launched earlier this year to strengthen links between the police and young people in an initiative which was one of Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis’s key election pledges.
“The scheme’s all about encouraging young people to develop new skills and self-confidence in the service of communities,” explained Mr Ellis.
“It isn’t about recruiting police officers – it’s about developing young people and making a positive difference. The heart of young Police Cadets is to reconnect youngsters more widely with the police service in Staffordshire.”
Businesses are being invited to become patrons to help fund uniforms and equipment for the cadets. Police Mutual became the inaugural patrons after paying for uniforms for cadets in the Stafford unit.
Police Mutual Chief Executive Stephen Mann recently met the cadets at their weekly meeting.
He said: “We had a fantastic evening. It was a real privilege to see the cadets on drill. The lasting memory I will have is what a professional and fantastic bunch of young people they are. They looked resplendent in their uniforms and are a real credit to themselves and Staffordshire Police.”
Assistance Chief Constable Julian Blazeby, who also attended the event, added: “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.”
The second cadets’ unit will open soon in Cannock with young people being encouraged to apply by Thursday 29 August.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold, who is overseeing the initiative, said:
“Staffordshire Young Police Cadets is engaging young people – some from challenging backgrounds – through a vibrant and positive programme.
“It’s about giving youngsters a sense of civic duty, building character and experience and helping them become responsible citizens.
“Cadets are being mainly funded by business with no money coming from frontline policing budgets.
“We’re really thankful to Police Mutual for their support and are giving other businesses the chance to get involved and make a positive difference to our communities.”
For more details on cadets and the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
