GMP cadets scheme reaches milestone

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has established 12 volunteer police cadet schemes during 2013.

The Police Cadets are young people aged 13 to 18 and there are now around 250 cadets taking part.

Police Cadets are young people, who volunteer to work with the police to help their communities, learn about policing and standards of behaviour, take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and support Crime Prevention initiatives locally and Forcewide.

Sergeant Jane Butler, responsible for the cadet schemes, said: “It has been an exciting year and we have been able to work with more young people than we had expected.

“At the start of the year we had hoped to have 10 schemes up and running so to reach the point of 12 is a huge achievement.

“This has only been possible as a result of the volunteers who run and support each scheme. They are Police Officers, PCSO’s, Specials, Police staff and members of the public who give up their own time each week to support and develop these young people.

“The cadets have been able to get involved in a whole host of different things and have gathered a lot of experience as a result of their commitment and hard work.

“We hope that we can build on this and develop more schemes in the coming year."

The first scheme was established in Blackley, North Manchester in March 2013 and the cadets have been able to help with antisocial behaviour activities around Easter holidays and took part in the Manchester Day parade. All 27 cadets were able to pass out in a parade in July 2013.

For more details about the GMP cadet schemes contact Sgt Jane Butler: volunteerpolicecadets@gmp.police.uk