This in from the police, in their own words. Ed
Hampshire Constabulary will officially welcome their first 74 Volunteer Police Cadets at an attestation ceremony on the 2nd July, at Netley attended by the Chief Constable and Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
‘Volunteer Police Cadets’
The event is designed to recognise the cadets for passing through the Hampshire Constabulary ‘Volunteer Police Cadet’ 10 week induction programme. This has seen the cadets learning team working and leadership skills, meeting various departments within the police and gaining a recognised first aid qualification.
The scheme has been designed as a youth engagement and diversionary programme for young people aged between 13 and 18. The aim is to promote a practical understanding of the police among all young people and to encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship.
Commitment to volunteering
The cadets have committed to volunteering with local policing and community initiatives, starting with a policing operation which is to be conducted in Southampton later this month. They will then be assisting the organisers of the New Forest Show during their summer holidays as well as taking part in the first Hampshire Constabulary annual camp in August.
Owing to the success of the first two pilot units in Southampton, we are looking to introduce a further seven schemes around the force area in September, which should see a further 250 volunteer police cadets joining the constabulary.
“A fantastic scheme”
Force Cadet Leader, PC Steve Swift said:
“This is a fantastic scheme aimed at improving the future potential of young people as well as providing the constabulary with an excellent form of positive engagement with young people and the community. However, this is a completely voluntary scheme which relies on the kind and generous donations from individuals and organisations.”
Get in touch
Anyone who wishes to provide assistance or make a contribution to support this scheme is asked to contact with PC Swift via email: [email protected]
Those who you would like to join as either a leader or cadet are asked to please log onto the force website www.hampshire.police.uk and select the ‘current vacancies’ page. From there search ‘police support volunteers’ under the ‘job type’ and then look through for a vacancy near to you.
Image: West Midlands Police under CC BY 2.0
