Police Cadet
Police Cadet
Applications are now open! If you want to take part in fun activities and make a difference in your community apply today.
Lancashire Police Cadet motto – ‘Let’s Go Cadets’
Are you aged between 13 – 18 years old and want to take part in fun activities that make a difference? If so, a place on our Police Cadet Scheme might be the perfect opportunity for you.
It is completely free to join, with free uniform and no weekly subs to pay!
It might be that you would like to see if a career in the police service is for you, or perhaps you really want to make a difference in the community where you live. You can be a shining example of the positive contribution young people can make to keep Lancashire safe.
The scheme allows you to develop your skillset and strengths through a structured programme to enhance relationships between local communities and the police.
We welcome those from any background, social group, gender, ethnicity, ability/disability, interested in the police and or simply looking to get involved with their local community. Being a teenager can sometimes be challenging, and some can feel a disconnection with their peers and community, so joining the Police Cadets could change that for you. We also like to encourage positive paths in life, and so, if you’ve previously been in trouble with the police don’t worry, you’re still welcome to join.
We are not looking to recruit future police officers but want to give all young people a chance to be heard, support their community and develop skills to become fantastic citizens in a fun, friendly and exciting way.
Entry Requirements
A positive attitude with the desire to help other people.
Benefits of being a cadet
- Form new friendships and connections
- Take part in fun and exciting activities
- Support your own community through volunteering and social action projects
- Challenge yourself to learn and develop new skills
- Work towards our four-stage Community Leadership programme, gaining basic law and policing knowledge, and an insight into road safety, first aid, personal safety, conflict management and problem solving.
- Getting to visit different departments such as Dog Section, Firearms Unit, Roads Policing, Mounted branch, and Scenes of Crime unit.
- Gain an insight into British policing and expressing your own views
- Opportunity to join the Cadet Leadership Programme
- Being a part of a national Volunteer Police Cadet strategy
What is involved in being a cadet?
- Volunteering at a community event for at least three hours each month.
- Undertaking a wide range of important activities, from carrying out environmental work such as beach cleans to visiting lonely people in hospital and raising funds for local charities.
- Attending college one night a week to work towards our 4 stage Community Leadership programme, gaining basic law and policing knowledge and an insight into road safety, first aid, personal safety, conflict management and problem solving.
- Visiting different departments such as Dog Section, Firearms Unit, Roads Policing, Mounted branch and Scenes of Crime unit.
- The chance to express views on policing issues.
Case Study
When Harry joined Police Cadets at 13 years old, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in the future, and in some part he still doesn’t. However, being a Police Cadet has taught him about the Police force and the different specialities and fields but most importantly it has taught him how to work effectively within a team.
As a Cadet he was given the opportunity to develop his skills, and gain a recognised qualification by completing his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award where he noted his communication, empathy and teamwork skills were widely tested.
Being part of the Police Cadets gives us the opportunity to learn from others. The cadet leaders are so helpful, and many have moved on from being a Cadet like me. Over the past few years we have had multiple guest speakers, all with their own knowledge and experiences which they kindly share to highlight good and bad issues within society. It’s always great listening to Police Officers talk about their role and what experiences they have had.
I would say for me, the best thing about Cadets is the different opportunities you have during your 5 years; this includes completing Duke of Edinburgh awards; the opportunity to complete a BTEC qualification and the opportunity to progress to an Inspector or Sergeant. Last year I was privileged to be picked along with 2 other Cadets in Lancashire to become a High Sheriff Cadet. This was an extremely important role, and I accompanied the High Sheriff of Lancashire to various events across the county. I was lucky enough to carry her sword at her Installation at County Hall, this was an experience I wouldn’t have been able to have without the Police Cadets.
The friends I have made in my time as a Cadet has been incredible; meeting others of the same age from different backgrounds is great, I have certainly made some friends for life.
Case Study
Since beginning her Cadet journey, Olivia has become more confident, building friendships with fellow cadets and becoming more involved within my community. She enjoys Cadets as every week she learns something different and has had inputs from areas ranging from the Rural Task Force to PCSOs and many more which she finds really interesting!
She has devoted any extra time to volunteering as Cadets offers a wide range of opportunities for her to take part in from bag packing in supermarkets to learning about different cultures at Preston’s Mela Festival.
The best thing about Cadets is going to my sessions each week to see my friends as through Cadets I have made friends I want to keep for life! Before starting Cadets I had no idea what career path I wanted to go down, but 2 years later after many inputs from different areas of the Police I know this is a career I want to pursue as there are so many opportunities and ways to go and being a Cadet has really opened my eyes to how much the Police have to offer.
Cadets have brought some amazing opportunities for me such as completing my bronze Duke of Edinburgh award alongside my amazing Cadet Leaders and Cadets!
Police Cadets is such a big part of my life which I never thought I would do, but I’m glad I did as I have so much love and joy for it!
Where Can I be a Cadet?
We have 12 Cadet units across the Lancashire, all based at accessible venues.
They are located at;
- Fleetwood (and Over Wyre) (Fleetwood Nautical College – meet on Tuesdays )
- Burnley (Burnley College – meet on Tuesdays)
- Preston (Cardinal Newman College meet on Tuesdays + Preston College meet on Wednesdays)
- Blackburn (Blackburn College – meet on Wednesdays or Thursdays)
- Accrington (Accrington and Rossendale College – meet on Wednesdays)
- Nelson (Nelson College – meet on Wednesdays or Thursdays)
- Skelmersdale (West Lancashire College – meet on Tuesdays)
- Leyland (Runshaw College – meet on Thursdays)
- Blackpool North (Blackpool and The Fylde College – meet on Wednesdays)
- Blackpool South (University Centre – meet on Thursdays)
- Lancaster (University of Cumbria – meet on Wednesdays)
Cadets are held at the above locations during term time between 5:30pm – 8:30pm.
Become a Cadet Leader
Are you over 18 years old and looking for an opportunity to develop yourself? Do you want to lead and inspire young people?
Support the Lancashire Police Cadets and volunteer to be part of our scheme in Lancashire.
Making a difference to many young people’s lives within the Cadet programme can be very rewarding. By supporting local community projects, fundraising and the Prince’s Trust achievements, to simply having an impact on your local area, could be just what you’re looking for. If this sounds like you then apply to become a Police Cadet Leader within our scheme in Lancashire
Take a look at our available opportunities by clicking the button below!
Police Cadet Application Process Application Process
When applications are open, you are able to complete and submit your form online.
You should look to include as much relevant experience, knowledge and skills as you can within the space provided.
You will want to include information about yourself where you can showcase your your interests and what you enjoy doing. This can be from experience at school, sports or social clubs or in any paid or voluntary work also.
We will invite successful applicants to join us for an interview. This is more of a friendly and informal chat where we will be able to explain a bit more about what is involved in being a Cadet and get the chance to answer any questions you may have.
For successful applicants, we will confirm your start date and arrange everything for your induction first week.