Peterborough school celebrates passing out of 2nd unit of Volunteer Police Cadets

A second unit of Volunteer Police Cadets celebrated reaching the end of their training at a passing out ceremony at Thomas Deacon Academy in Peterborough last night (23^rd March).

The young people, aged between 13 and 18, took their official oath in front of distinguished guests including Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Graham Bright, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hopkins, Peterborough Mayor Councillor John Peach, Mayoress Janet Martin, friends and family.

Volunteer Police Cadets follow am intensive 13-week induction programme which prepares them to support community safety within their local communities.

CEO and Principal of Thomas Deacon Academy, Julie Taylor said:

“We are more than proud to be able to host a second passing out ceremony for Volunteer Police Cadets here at Thomas Deacon Academy.

“Our young people pioneered the Volunteer Police Cadet programme in Cambridgeshire when it first launched in 2013 so I’m delighted to see the word is spreading. We’ve had the privilege of watching some really dedicated young people embrace the opportunity to contribute to their communities. From supporting local charities to delivering crime prevention advice to the public, our cadets are already making a difference.”

Sir Graham Bright added:

“The establishment of Volunteer Police Cadets across Cambridgeshire is something I am immensely proud of. I would like to congratulate each young person here tonight on their commitment, enthusiasm and determination in successfully completing the training. From speaking to previous recruits I know what an important part being a police cadet now plays in their lives and how much it has helped improve their self-confidence and personal development. I would also like to acknowledge the time, effort and dedication shown by all the volunteer leaders to the training programme, the families of the cadets and the Thomas Deacon Academy for being so supportive.”

(ENDS)

Notes to editors:

Attached – Pictured with the cadets are:

Cllr John Peach, Mayor of Peterborough,

Janet Martin, Mayoress of Peterborough

Sir Graham Bright – Police and Crime Commissioner

Julie Taylor, CEO, Thomas Deacon Academy

Mark Hopkins, Assistant Chief Constable, Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Media enquiries to:

Catherine Kimberley – Communications Officer

Tel DD: 01480 425806

Mobile: 07872 357923

About The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner

Sir Graham Bright is the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire.

Police and Crime Commissioners have responsibility for delivering an efficient and effective police service in their area. Commissioners set police and crime objectives, the police budget and issue crime and disorder reduction grants through the Police and Crime Plan. Commissioners also hold the police to account, making them answerable to the public.

Further details can be found on the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner website.