Police Cadet
Police Cadet
Applications are OPEN!
We have multiple cadet groups across the county. Click the link above and add your postcode to find your local group.
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
Cameron joined Pendle Cadets in September 2021, he has reached rank of sergeant and Inspector.
“When I first joined the cadets, I wasn’t really sure who I was or what I wanted to do. In those three years though, cadets have changed me a lot through the weekly sessions to all the community engagements it does. I have had the opportunity to do a lot of work which I am proud of from charity events, community work and school talks. My favourite part about the cadets though is the work we do alongside the police and other emergency services from the guest visits, neighbourhood operations and training exercises.
“Thanks to the opportunities the cadets provided me, I have matured a lot and developed a lot of skills such as leadership, communication, and discipline. It has helped me develop a positive attitude towards everything I do and I have carried these skills and traits I gained from cadets into my career and education. Being someone who is hoping to join the police soon means that I am also grateful towards the cadets for putting me in a position where I am more than prepared for a career in the service.”
Cadets is an amazing organisation which provides a lot of young people the opportunity to do good work and give back towards the community and also help them grow as a person. It really is also the stepping stone into the becoming an officer and helps teach people the skills and qualities needed by an officer.
Case Study
Oliver has been a Cadet since September (6 months).
“My fellow cadets, voluntary leaders and unit co-ordinator have all have been helpful for me. I have developed more social skills and how to interact with others, I feel more comfortable speaking to people I don’t know and being part of a team where we all help each other.”
Before starting, I was excited about making new friends and learning about the police. I have enjoyed doing all activities, helped my social skills meeting new people.
Case Study
Denis originally started out as a Police Cadet in May 2022, and during this time has learnt a huge amount about himself and gained additional skills which has allowed his progression to become a Police Cadet Leader.
“Initially when I joined, I thought I wanted to be a Police Officer but I have changed my mind on this and would like to pursue a career in law. Being part of the Police Cadets will help me in working in law as you learn loads when you are here, and it will make my CV stand out when I apply for further education or work. Being within the Cadets is like being part of a big family, we all look out for each other.”
Being a cadet or a cadet leader, is like being part of a big family, we all look out for each other.
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 + UCLan 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.