Avon and Somerset’s new Volunteer Police Cadets donned their uniforms for the first time at a launch event on Monday 31st October 2011.
The teenagers, aged 14 to 17, chose to parade in front of senior officers, sponsors and their families at Downend Day Care Centre instead of joining friends to enjoy the Halloween festivities.
The 10 young women and 19 young men are taking part in a pilot based in South Gloucestershire, where they all either live or attend school. It’s hoped the volunteer cadet scheme will be rolled out across Avon and Somerset.
Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, who inspected the cadets’ first parade, said:
“Your classmates may be out trick or treating or going to Halloween parties, but you have chosen to be here tonight.”
“What an inspirational group of young people you are, making a positive contribution to your communities.”
The cadets quickly picked up some basic drill, which they demonstrated to their parents, before taking part in ice-breaking activities.
A group of police officers and staff have volunteered to train the cadets in a range of skills in their own time, and they will meet each week during term time at Downend Day Care Centre.
After suitable training they will be expected to carry out a range of activities, under supervision, including:
- Accompanying regular police officers and PCSOs on routine patrols and at events;
- Delivering crime prevention leaflets; and
- Security marking property.
The Volunteer Police Cadets come from communities across South Gloucestershire, including Bradley Stoke, Bridgeyate, Charfield, Chipping Sodbury, Downend, Emersons Green, Filton, Hambrook, Hanham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Rudgeway, Thornbury, Warmley, Wick, Willsbridge and Yate.
Avon and Somerset Volunteer Police Cadets are grateful for the support of John Lewis, South Gloucestershire Council and Filton College, which has enabled the pilot scheme to be run at no cost.
Source: Avon and Somerset Police
