Lancashire volunteer police cadet’s to be sworn in
Friday, 18 October, 2013
ONE HUNDRED volunteer police cadets from Preston, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley will be sworn into the police service at a special ceremony next week.
Lancashire Constabulary will hold its first attestation evening for the cadets, who are aged between 13 and 18,on Tuesday 22 October to celebrate their induction.
The cadets will declare their allegiance to the force, promise to serve the community and act as ambassadors for Lancashire Constabulary at the event, which will take place at King George’s Hall in Blackburn.
The cadets will be joined by family and they will be addressed by Chief Inspector Ian Sewart, Chief Constable Steve Finnigan, Ed Sherry, National Volunteer Police Cadets Programme Director, the High Sherriff Mrs Ann Dean and guest speaker Hubert Mensah from the Metropolitan Police Service.
Business leaders and other high-profile guests have also been invited in order for the cadets to showcase their work in the community and the skills the programme will help them develop. It is hoped that a business network can be developed that will provide the cadets with future employment or training opportunities.
Chief Insp Ian Sewart said: “This event gives us the opportunity to recognise the fantastic work the cadets have done to complete their induction training. They have shown real passion so far and we are looking forward to continuing to work with them to develop their skills further.
“Volunteer police cadets are a real asset in offering a policing service that is relevant and reflective of local communities. The cadet scheme provides young people with an opportunity to express their views on policing issues; to help change people’s lives and develop skills.
“We hope the cadet scheme will provide these teenagers with the opportunity to unearth their hidden talents, realise their full potential and prepare them for a career in the future.”
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: "I am delighted our new cadets have the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with their friends and family.
"These young people have a fantastic opportunity to be part of and represent Lancashire Constabulary, as well as learn new skills and gain valuable experiences and I would like to congratulate them on completing their induction.
"Cadets are a vital part of our wider citizens in policing programme, and I look forward to more teenagers following in these young people's footsteps in the future."
The cadets joined the force in September and have already gained an insight into various departments within the force, as well as learning a range of skills, including finding out about DNA and fingerprints, fundraising, conducting crime surveys and attending public engagement initiatives.
The schemes are based at Preston College and Accrington and Rossendale College and are run by a combination of police officers, police staff, special constables and police support volunteers. The cadets have been spending up to two hours a week at college as well as additional time in their local communities.
Lancashire Constabulary aims to have 450 police cadets from across the county within the next 18 months.
