Yesterday, Sunday 13 July 2014, saw the passing out parade of Oldham’s first volunteer cadets. Assistant Chief Constable Zoe Sheard, Superintendent Denise Worth and Jim Battle, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, were joined by local community leaders and the families of the cadets at the ceremony in Failsworth. In 2012, Sir Peter Fahy pledged to create a new Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme for young people in the region. The scheme, developed by Sergeant Jane Butler and Youth Strategy Officer PC Andrew Marsden, is aimed at 13- 17 year-olds and provides a programme of weekly Cadet nights filled with activity, information and – hopefully – some fun. The aims of the scheme include: •Promoting and encouraging a practical interest in policing among young people, •Providing training which will encourage positive leadership within communities which will include volunteering opportunities, •Encouraging a spirit of adventure and developing qualities of leadership and good citizenship. Cadets will be given the opportunity to obtain a Duke of Edinburgh Award, First Aid qualification etc. Cadets units are be based in areas where there is currently little to occupy local youngsters. Volunteers have to apply, stating their reasons for wanting to be part of the scheme and are encouraged to remain with the scheme for as long as they can. On reaching the end of their time as a cadet, they will be given with advice on careers and business, help with CVs and information about any opportunities to remain with the Force. During a probationary period they experience drill, physical exercise classes and advice on subjects such as the effective and safe use of social media. Further items on the curriculum are lessons on the law, public order awareness, phonetics and radio use, problem solving … and more drill! The schemes team leaders are also volunteers and include schools based officers, PCSOs, special constables and university students, all contributing their own time to run each cadet night. To build number of successful schemes across the region we are looking for help. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer team leader and can demonstrate a commitment and desire to change hearts and minds can contact Sergeant Jane Butler at [email protected].
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 10:59:59 +0000
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