A third group of Staffordshire Police Cadets graduated with pride at a special ceremony last week (Friday 13 March).
Seventeen members of the Stoke-on-Trent North unit were presented with certificates at the prestigious event at Stoke Town Hall.
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 Chief Constable Jane Sawyers to present certificates to the 14 to 17-year-olds ten months after the Stoke-on-Trent unit was launched. Volunteers who help run the 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 third graduation event for Cadets following similar ceremonies for Stafford and Cannock Cadets. The police officers, Specials and Police Support Volunteers who act 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 youngsters who took part can be really proud of the effort they’ve put in over the last ten 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.”
Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said: “I am very proud of the young people who have joined the Stoke-on-Trent North unit. 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.”
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
