An Insight into Police Cadets – An Interview By Student Miley
Why did you choose Northern Counties School to become Police Cadets and what does it include?
We first launched our Special Educational Needs (SEN) Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) with Hedleys College in 2022. Northumbria Police already had a strong relationship with the college, making it a natural partnership to pilot the programme.
The Cadets achieved so much during the first year that we quickly recognised the value of expanding the programme, with the aim of establishing a SEN Cadet unit in each Area Command across the force.
Following the success of the Hedleys College Cadets, colleagues at Northern Counties School contacted us after seeing the positive impact the programme was having on young people. As the Newcastle Neighbourhood Policing Team already had strong links with Northern Counties, it was a great opportunity to bring the successful Hedleys model into the Newcastle area.
As the first year of the programme comes to an end, we have been incredibly impressed by everything the Cadets have achieved. From developing new skills and growing in confidence to making a positive contribution to their community, the young people have embraced every opportunity and should be very proud of their accomplishments.
How many Police Cadets are there in Northumbria Police?
We currently have 206 Volunteer Police Cadets across the Force.
Why do you think Police Cadets are a great opportunity for young people?
Volunteer Police Cadets are a great opportunity for young people because they help develop confidence, resilience and valuable life skills in a safe and supportive environment. Cadets learn teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills that benefit them in education, employment and everyday life.
The programme also gives young people the chance to make a positive difference in their communities through volunteering and community engagement activities. It helps them build relationships with people from different backgrounds, develop a sense of responsibility and gain a better understanding of policing and public service.
Importantly, Police Cadets is inclusive and accessible to all young people, regardless of whether they have an interest in a policing career. It provides opportunities to challenge themselves, try new experiences and achieve personal goals while being supported by dedicated leaders and mentors. The confidence, friendships and experiences gained through the Cadet programme can have a lasting positive impact on a young person’s future.
What skills can you learn by being a Police Cadet?
Being a Volunteer Police Cadet helps young people develop a wide range of skills that can support them in school, work and everyday life.
As a Cadet, you can learn:
- Teamwork – working together with others to complete activities and solve problems
- Communication – speaking with confidence, listening to others and sharing ideas
- Leadership – taking responsibility, supporting others and leading activities
- Confidence – trying new things and challenging yourself in a safe environment
- Problem-solving – thinking through situations and finding practical solutions
- Respect and understanding – working with people from different backgrounds and learning about your community
- Organisation and responsibility – managing tasks, being reliable and attending events
- Volunteering skills – helping others and making a positive difference in the local area
Cadets also have the opportunity to meet new people, make friends and take part in experiences they may not have had before. These skills can help young people become more independent, prepare for future employment and grow in confidence both within the Cadet programme and beyond.
What advice would you give to a young person who is thinking about joining Police Cadets?
My advice would be to give it a try. You do not need any special skills or experience to become a Volunteer Police Cadet – just a positive attitude and a willingness to get involved.
The Cadet programme is a welcoming and supportive place where young people can make friends, learn new skills and take part in a wide range of activities. It offers opportunities to build confidence, work as part of a team, help the local community and challenge yourself in a safe environment.
As the Volunteer Police Cadets Programme Coordinator, I regularly see the positive and often transformative impact the programme has on young people. Many join feeling nervous or unsure of themselves, but over time they grow in confidence, develop new skills and become more comfortable speaking up, taking part in activities and supporting others. It is incredibly rewarding to see young people achieve things they never thought possible and take pride in their own progress.
Everyone is welcome, and there is support available from our fantastic Cadet Leaders to help every Cadet reach their full potential. If you are looking for an opportunity to gain confidence, meet new people, learn valuable life skills and have fun while making a difference in your community, then Volunteer Police Cadets could be the perfect opportunity for you!