Cadets
Police Cadets are young men and women who volunteer their time to learn about modern day policing and take part in community-focused initiatives.
The Volunteer Police Cadets is the nationally recognised police uniformed youth group throughout the UK. The purpose of the VPC is not to recruit police officers of the future, but to encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship amongst its members. The VPC believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of his or her background, and encourage young people from all backgrounds to join the VPC, including those who may be vulnerable to the influences of crime and social exclusion.
The aims of the Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme are:
- To promote a practical understanding of policing amongst all young people
- To encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship
- To support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard
- To inspire young people to participate positively in their communities
In Nottinghamshire Police, we currently operate two fixed programmes: Junior Cadets (11-16-year olds Year 7 at Seniors school) and Senior Cadets (16-18-year olds).
Senior Cadets
There are currently more than one hundred Cadets in Nottinghamshire Police that are aged between 16 and 18 years old.
The Senior Cadet Programme sees recruits meet once per week during term time.
During their time with the Force, Cadets gain a unique insight into modern day policing whilst providing them with exciting opportunities including visiting different departments across the organisation such as the Control Room, Custody and the Firearms and Dog section. Cadets are also given the opportunity to build interpersonal skills by taking part in social, sports and team-building activities.
By joining the Cadet programme, recruits also work towards attaining a Foundation in Policing – a nationally recognised qualification which has been created in partnership with Derbyshire Constabulary and the University of Derby.
Junior Cadets
Our Junior Cadet Programme is a new initiative, which sees 11-16 year olds take part in classroom and practical activities relating to policing. Junior Cadets meet once per week, with their Cadet Leaders to take part in community projects, events and learn new life skills
Junior Cadets follow a simplified version of our Senior Cadets programme which is detailed above, but does not include the qualification. We currently have cadet bases at Mansfield, Bestwood, Bulwell and Force Headquarters Arnold.
The locations are subject to change each academic year.
More information
If you have a query that hasn’t been answered on our website, you can email us on: [email protected]