Peterborough’s Volunteer Police Cadets scheme was launched  at Thomas Deacon Academy on the 5th November 2014.

Thirty one enthusiastic cadets, aged between 14 and 16, were supported by 15 volunteer leaders from Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Thomas Deacon Academy.  The cadets paraded with their Combined Cadet Force colleagues and spent the first 30 minutes with an introduction to drill.  They then headed into the classroom where they agreed a code of behaviour and had an activity looking at rank structure.  The session finished with a team building game. 

Feedback from cadets and leaders was very positive.  Two cadets were interviewed afterwards by Chris Mann on Radio Cambridgeshire and said “it was great… [I enjoyed] mixing with people I didn’t know” and “it was a really good experience and more people should try it”

The Volunteer Police Cadet scheme promotes a practical understanding of policing among young people and encourages a spirit of adventure and good citizenship through volunteering in the community. The cadets will meet once a week for two hours to take part in a mix of structured learning and physical activities based on nationally approved training.  In addition to the weekly meetings cadets are expected to complete three hours of volunteering each month perhaps by supporting crime prevention initiatives or attending community events. This can count towards formal qualifications and evidencing voluntary work for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

The young people will take part in a nine-week induction programme before being issued with their full uniform ready for their attestation ceremony in January 2015.