Police Cadet

Police Cadet

Police Cadet

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Police Cadet

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Join our upcoming webinar on Tuesday 7th April.

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.

Join us to hear from Cadet Coordinators who will be able to speak to you and answer any questions about the Police Cadet Recruitment process.  

We will discuss the role of a Volunteer Police Cadet and their experience in making a difference within their communities and life at Lancashire Constabulary.

This is an informal session to learn more about the role, you do not need to attend to apply and the session will be recorded.

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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.

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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

Cadets Inspector Leon

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I have been a cadet since i was 13. Being in the cadets is the best thing in the world as you really explore your skills and make them better. Working with the public is a joy as you can put a smile on a person’s face by helping them which makes me proud to be a cadet. My future plans are to finish the 5 year in cadets and get the full experience and then to hopefully be a PCSO so I can carry on helping the community.

Case Study

Owen

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When I first joined the police cadets, I didn’t know what police go through on a daily, and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. In the time I have been at the police cadets, it has changed me for the better through the weekly sessions and the community activities.  My favourite part about cadets, is that I have been allowed the opportunity to take part in events that I thought I would never take part in, such as guest visits and working alongside the police and gaining knowledge of the different roles in the force. Thanks to the opportunities that cadets have allowed me to take part in, it has helped with not only with confidence, but it has also helped me have discipline and other skills that will help me in the future. It has allowed me to have a positive view on things I do and has allowed me to enhance my skills, this has allowed me to have a more very positive view on police and other things I go through. This experience has allowed me to feel more prepared for the world and allowed me to figure out what I want to do in the future.

Case Study

Olivia

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Since I began my cadet journey, I’ve become more confident, built friendships with fellow cadets and become more involved within my community. I enjoy cadets as every week we learn something different which becomes more and more interesting as we have had inputs areas ranging from the rural task force to PCSOs and many more! Since beginning police cadets, I have devoted any extra time to volunteering as cadets offers a wide range of volunteering events 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 and volunteering opportunities as I can build closer bonds with 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 peruse as there are so many opportunities and ways to go as becoming 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!

Case Study

Harry

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From when I first joined the police cadets at 13 years old, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in the future, and in some part I still don’t. However, being a police cadet has taught me so much about the police force and the different specialities and fields but most importantly it has taught me how to work effectively as a team. As a cadet I have been allowed the opportunity to develop my skills, for instance, when I completed my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award my 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, its 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 is incredible, meeting others of the same age from different backgrounds is great, I have certainly made some friends for life.

Case Study

Katie

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I enjoy cadets because I have made new friends, I have learnt a lot about the police force and what they do, and have been able to help my community. The best thing about cadets is that we have a lot of fun so you can have a laugh while also gaining an understanding of the different roles in the police and what to do in certain situations. I hope that in the future it can help me get jobs as the learning skills will set me apart from the other applicants as there are many opportunities provided such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Where do Police Cadets meet?

We have 11 cadet units across Lancashire, all based in accessible venues.

They are located at:

Cadets are held at the above locations during term time between 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

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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!

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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.

Police Cadets FAQ’s

Click to find the Questions and Answers…

Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: We welcome those aged between 13-18 years old onto the Volunteer Police Cadet Programme

Q: Is there a cost to join the Police Cadets

A: There are no costs or weekly fees to be part of the programme

Q: Are there any entry requirements?

A: All you need is a positive attitude and desire to support your community and other people. 

Q: Do you have need to wear a uniform?

A: Once your place is confirmed you will be issued with a uniform which includes formal and non-formal attire.

Q: Is it compulsory to attend cadet meetings every week?

A: As part of your commitment to be a Police Cadet you must attend each weekly meeting, unless there is a reasonable rationale for you not being able to do so. This would need to be communicated to your Police Cadet Coordinator. There will also be extra-curricular activities and events, which your attendance is highly recommended.

Q: Can cadet experience be used as part of Duke of Edinburgh Awards?

A; All experience and skills learnt within the Cadet programme are transferable, and we support those who are working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Q: What happens when a cadet turns 18 years old?

A: From a Cadets 18th birthday, their programme will be officially terminated, however, they are free to apply to become a Cadet Leader (subject to available vacancies).

Q. What safeguarding is in place?

A. You can view the Cadets safeguarding policy here.  You can also visit the the national Volunteer Police Cadets website for more information.