Cadet Leaders needed… Could you?

Leicestershire Police is searching for 25 enthusiastic people to join the force as cadet leaders.

Next month more than 300 young people will be enrolled on the Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) programme - the largest number of cadets that Leicestershire Police has on record.

Cadets are aged between 13 and 17 years, have a keen interest in policing, and volunteer to spend their free time helping out in their communities.

Superintendent Shane O’Neill, the force’s strategic lead for Volunteers in Policing, said: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming so many new faces to our cadet programme, and I am proud of how far the programme has come in recent years. With growing numbers of cadets, we require more cadet leaders to allow us to offer our cadets greater opportunities and experiences during their time with us.

“At the end of this month two cadet leaders will be accompanying a group of cadets on a trip to Krefeld, our German twin-town, and a team of cadets have recently been to compete in ‘Youth United’ at RAF Cosford. Trips such as these would not be possible without the help of our cadet leaders, and I would encourage anyone with a little spare time to join us in leading our excellent VPC team.”

Cadet leaders are asked to regularly attend cadet unit meetings, which are held weekly during the academic year, and also to support and supervise the cadets volunteering in the community.

Cadet unit meetings are held in eight locations across the county:

• Central Leicester
• South Leicester
• Coalville
• Hinckley
• Market Harborough
• Melton Mowbray
• East Leicester
• Loughborough

Sergeant Danny Graham, lead coordinator of the VPC programme for Leicestershire Police, said: “As a leader you will be valued and supported, and you will be given the unique opportunity to develop yourself while providing inspiration and knowledge to many young people from our communities.

“Volunteering with the cadets may seem like a challenge, but the benefits are enormous and you really can help to change the lives of young people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“Cadet leaders don’t need any specific skills or qualifications. We are looking people who are enthusiastic and passionate about working with young people to share their skills, knowledge and experience with our cadets.”

If you think you could be a cadet leader, or if you would like more information on the role, please visit our website: leics.police.uk/join-us/police-support-volunteers or email couldyou@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk.