Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, met graduates of the latest Junior Cadet programme when he visited Hazel Slade Primary Academy in Cannock last week.
The scheme is delivered by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to primary school children across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Children are taught about different topics over the course of 6 weeks that include knife crime, anti-social behaviour, communication and what it means to be a good citizen.
Year six pupils from Hazel Slade Primary Academy formed part of the latest cohort to graduate from the Junior Cadet scheme, led by PCSO Liz Dale and PCSO Sean Nicholls.
The original cadet programme was introduced by the Commissioner’s Office in 2013 to strengthen the links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship. This programme, for children aged 13-17, celebrated its ten-year anniversary last year.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, said: “It was great to speak to the cadets and hear how much they have enjoyed and learnt from the scheme, and I’d like to thank PCSO Liz Dale and PCSO Sean Nicholls for their fantastic work with the school.
“It’s a great way for children to not only learn more about policing and what police officers do in their communities, but also to find out what it means to be a good citizen.
“The Staffordshire cadet programme was introduced a decade ago, it is terrific to see it going from strength to strength and I will continue to support and fund it.”
Inspector Chris Moss, from Cannock local policing team, said: “The cadets are a fantastic part of our police family and we’re proud of the children that have graduated from Hazel Slade Primary Academy.
“I would like to thank PCSOs Liz Dale and Sean Nicholls for their fantastic work with the Junior Cadets over the last few weeks, talking to them about anti-social behaviour, being good citizens and what it means to be part of the police family.”
To find out more about cadets in Staffordshire, visit: Police Cadets – Staffordshire Commissioner (staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk)