Staffordshire Young Police Cadets are urging businesses to back the scheme so that even more young people can benefit.
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 has already proved popular with over 30 young people signing up to the Stafford unit. Applications are already in for the second Cadets’ unit which will open soon in Cannock.
Now businesses are being encouraged to become Patrons so that every young person across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent has the chance to be a Cadet.
Cadets have launched a YouTube video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JSAGzjnjEA where they explain the benefits of the scheme and ask businesses for support.
The Cadets, speaking in the video, say: “Staffordshire’s Young Police Cadets Service is all about encouraging ten to 17-year-olds to develop new skills and self-confidence in the service of communities.
“The Police and Crime Commissioner’s ambition is for as many young people as possible to benefit from being part of the young Cadets programme, which is part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
“It’s been a big hit already but with your help the number of Young Police Cadet Units can be expanded further.”
The Commissioner has stated that he will not redirect money that’s used for frontline policing to fund the Cadets Service.
Businesses are being invited to become Patrons 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.
Police Mutual became the inaugural Patrons after paying for uniforms for Cadets in the Stafford unit.
Mr Ellis said: “Staffordshire Young Police Cadets is all about engaging young people – some from challenging backgrounds – through a positive and vibrant programme.
“The heart of the scheme is to reconnect youngsters more widely with the police service in Staffordshire.
“It isn’t about recruiting police officers – it’s about developing young people and giving them a sense of civic duty, building character and helping them become responsible citizens.
“We’d be delighted to work with businesses to achieve this. Their support means they are helping hundreds of young people across Staffordshire as well as being associated with something that will bring value in the future.
“There are many different ways to support the Young Police Cadets and we’re grateful for anything businesses or individuals can contribute, however big or small.”
Assistance Chief Constable Julian Blazeby 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.”
For more details on Cadets and the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
