Frequently Asked Questions

You need to be in Year 11 at the time of applying.

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.

No.

We are only able to offer places to young people living in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. If you live outside of the West Mercia Police force area, please contact your local police force to see if they run a cadet scheme.

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.

Please click here to find your local unit.

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 every Thursday evening in term time, 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.

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.