In 2013 Cheshire Constabulary saw the introduction of a new Volunteer Police Cadet programme.
This programme is now being rolled out to the Eastern Area of Cheshire from September 2013, and will provide young people aged 16-18 the opportunity to engage in an accredited year long structured programme.
Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: "The introduction of the Volunteer Police Cadets demonstrates Cheshire Constabulary's commitment to positively engaging with young people and providing them with an opportunity to work in partnership with the police.
"The programme will provide interesting and exciting diversionary activities for the young people to engage in, whilst providing them with the opportunity to learn valuable new life skills. I hope the young people of Cheshire will grasp this exciting new opportunity."
As a Volunteer Police Cadet, the young people will engage in 12 weeks of interactive class based sessions at one of the Force police stations, before having the opportunity to put their new knowledge into practice within the community.
The sessions will include: Crime and its Effects on Society, Root Cause and Criminalisation of Individuals, Approaches to Reduce Crime, Disorder & Anti-Social Behaviour, Communication, First Aid and Leadership.
Volunteers will be provided with a uniform and could be representing Cheshire Constabulary at various events around the county.
The Volunteer Police Cadets are also provided the opportunity of completing a Level 2 BTEC in Public Services which is equivalent to four GCSEs at grade A* - C.
At the end of the programme, the young people will graduate as Volunteer Police Cadets and have the opportunity to then continue to work in support of the Force and their local community.
The Volunteer Police Cadet Programme is due to start in September 2013 in the Eastern Area which covers the areas surrounding the towns of Knutsford, Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Congleton, Crewe and Nantwich. The programme will be based at Crewe Police Station and sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings. The closing date for applications is the 30th June 2013.
If you're interested in being a Volunteer Police Cadet visit http://cheshire.thesharpsystem.com.
