Volunteer Police Cadet unit to launch at Cambridge school

A Volunteer Police Cadet scheme will launch at a Cambridge school later this month, Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has confirmed.

The new unit, established in partnership with North Cambridge Academy, is expected to be up and running in the next few weeks and will have up to 30 members from the local area.

Designed to encourage a spirit of adventure and good citizenship, the scheme inspires young people, aged 13 to 18, to participate positively in their communities and promote better understanding of policing amongst their peers.

Introducing a Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme in Cambridgeshire was a high priority for Sir Graham Bright when he became Commissioner in 2012.

Sir Graham said:

“Speaking to the young people already volunteering in other units, I know they have learnt a lot about themselves, about policing and about the local community.

“I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Head Teacher of North Cambridge Academy as I am sure that with their help this scheme will be a huge success.”

Volunteer Police Cadets follow an intensive 13-week induction programme which prepares them to support community safety within their local communities. Topics covered include crime prevention, local policing and being a good citizen. The activities can also count towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award Schemes.

Head Teacher Martin Campbell added:

“This is a very exciting opportunity for North Cambridge Academy and I believe the pupils will benefit from the excellent tuition, increased responsibility, sense of purpose and leadership the police unit can offer. The Volunteer Police Cadets unit will be one of a number of sporting, cultural and academic after school provisions which will help to ensure pupils at NCA have a breadth of opportunities to expand their horizons and ambitions.”

For more information contact Hannah Watson, email: cadets@cambs.pnn.police.uk, tel: 01954 713911 or visit: http://www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk/cadets/