Police Cadets
We are not currently recruiting for the cadet programme - please check back soon!
The West Mercia Police Cadet Programme is part of the wider Citizens in Policing Programme (CiP) with a vision to connect communities with policing and policing with communities. The CiP programme also includes the Special Constabulary, Police Support Volunteers and other community volunteers who are supporters of the police.
The VPC element of the wider CiP Programme is designed to build bridges between young people, the community, young people and the police. The VPC scheme is about taking a mixture of young people and helping them make a difference for themselves and their community. The scheme actively encourages young people from all parts of the community regardless of educational needs, challenging behaviour or disability. Cadets learn about the law, police procedures, and specialist units developing skills that police officers need such as communication, team working and understanding of community issues. They take part in family community events, police events, letter drops and in some areas, test purchasing for alcohol and cigarettes as well as Social Action projects.
The aims of the VPC 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
- Inspire young people to participate positively in their communities
The Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme (VPC) is designed to provide a safe environment in which young people can learn as individuals, develop positive relationships with the police and actively support their community through volunteering.
To keep young people engaged with the scheme the weekly sessions include a wide range of activities such as:
- Team building exercises
- Physical exercise/ activity
- Class room based sessions
- Lessons from the VPC
- Visiting Speakers
- Practical Scenarios
- Lessons delivered by the Cadets
- Online lessons/ E-learning
Activities
As a West Mercia Police Cadet you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of training from first aid, personal fitness and drill.
You will be trained in leadership, conflict resolution and develop to become a positive role model and advocate for your younger peers. You will achieve this through team working for example on the outward bounds activity weeks. You will have the confidence and skills to resolve conflict and become transformational leaders in your communities.
Your activities will include supporting local policing teams at high profile public events, delivering crime prevention advice, visiting vulnerable and elderly care homes, assisting the public at community events and mystery shopper activities to kerb the underage sale of alcohol, knives, fireworks and cigarettes.
West Mercia Police Cadets is a perfect opportunity to meet new people, make friends, improve your life skills and volunteer in your community. You will gain a lot from the Police Cadets, aside from experience, and being able to put it on your CV will make you stand out to any employer.
To be eligible to apply, you must be aged 13 - 16 years old.
You don't need any experience, skills or qualifications to be a cadet. All we ask is that you commit to attending regularly, and strive to improve yourself and your local community.
All potential cadets will be vetted. The purpose of this vetting is not to routinely preclude any young person from membership but rather to allow the cadet leaders to manage any potential risk that is highlighted.
We are only able to offer places to young people living in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire. Each cadet unit is linked to a policing area, of which there are five in the force area. Young people wishing to join should be resident within that policing area. If you live outside of West Mercia force area please contact your local police force to see if they run a cadet scheme. You can do this by calling in at your local police station or contacting the force through its website.
We currently do not offer open days. However, if you contact your local unit they can arrange for you to come along and observe one of the evenings so you can see what it is like.
Alternative options to police cadets are the service cadet schemes - Army, Air, Sea, or other youth uniform organisations such as the Scouts, Guides, Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade, and St John Ambulance. There should be local provision in your area offering excellent activities and opportunities for young people. Additionally you may wish to contact your local council about other youth provision in your area.
There are other volunteering opportunities within West Mercia Police Including the Special Constabulary and Police Support Volunteers. See our careers section for further details.
Units meet once a week in the evening and are additionally involved in activities at weekends and during school holidays.
There is no specific equipment you need in order to join the cadets. We provide a uniform to cadets at no cost - however you will have to provide black shoes/boots. We recommend bringing a pen and pad to write down notes and to take in information when at cadet meetings/events.
You will need to speak to the leaders to arrange to go along. Find you local Cadet units here.
The Volunteer Police Cadets will provide you with an insight into policing, however, it will not specifically assist your application.
In most cases the answer to this is yes. However, each case will be considered on merit.
Police cadets, help and assist in the community by getting involved in stewarding in local events such as fairs, town shows, carnivals and other local events. We also assist in high profile events in your areas.
During your time as a Cadet you will be expected to follow a structured development programme. This will lead towards a 'Level 2 Award in Leadership & Team Skills' qualification.
How to apply
We are not currently recruiting for the cadet programme. Please check back soon.