Volunteer Police Cadet pilot to launch at Peterborough school

A pilot volunteer police cadet scheme will launch at a Peterborough school later this year, Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has confirmed.

The pilot has been established in partnership with the Thomas Deacon Academy, which already has close links with the police through the Safer Schools Partnership. It also has an existing Combined Cadet Force with 150 young people attending either the Army Section of RAF Section.

The introduction of the Scheme supports the Commissioner’s pledge to “support work with young people to divert them away from a life of crime” and his commitment to volunteering.

Sir Graham said: “I am really excited about this new project. It confirms my commitment to support work with young people to help keep them focused on activities that will benefit the whole community. I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Principal of the Thomas Deacon Academy as I am sure that with their help this scheme will be a huge success.

“It’s exactly what people have been telling me they want to see here in Cambridgeshire, so if the pilot is successful I intend to roll it out to other parts.”

Thomas Deacon Academy Chief Executive Officer / Principal, Julie Taylor, said: “Having a Police Cadet Scheme at Thomas Deacon Academy will have significant benefits for our students. We teach our young people to be self-disciplined and highly ambitious and this scheme will enable young people from a range of backgrounds and cultures to learn more of the skills necessary to be successful in life. We are proud that Sir Graham Bright has chosen Thomas Deacon Academy for this important pilot.”

The aims of the pilot scheme are to:

• Support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard
• Promote a practical understanding of policing among all young people
• Encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship
• Inspire young people to participate positively in their communities
• Engage young people, including those at risk of entering the criminal justice system or being socially excluded, in activities that encourage them to develop socially and academically and make a positive contribution to the community in which they live
• Ultimately help build safer, stronger and more supportive communities

Participation in the scheme will provide accreditation towards formal qualifications and evidencing voluntary activities for the Princes Trust/ Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

The Cambridgeshire Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme will be up and running by the Winter. Further details will be announced in the coming months including details of recruitment for volunteer Leaders who will support the running of the unit.