Metropolitan Police Service - Volunteer Cadets

Volunteer Police Cadets

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How old do I have to be to join?

The Volunteer Police Cadets is open to anyone between the ages of 14 years and 19. Cadet units have a variety of different ages and variety of ethnicity.

2. I don’t live in London can I still join?

We are only able to offer places to young people living in London Boroughs. Please contact your local Police Force to see if they run a Cadet scheme. You can do this by calling in at your local police station or contacting the Force through its website.

3. Is there open days?

We currently do not offer open days. However, if you ring your local unit they can arrange for you to come along and observe one of the evenings so you can see what it is like.

4. Where is my local unit and how do I contact them?

If you live in a London Borough please see the menu of options on the left hand-side of the homepage on our website http://www.met.police.uk/cadets/branches.html . Choose the borough in which you live and make contact with the local Coordinator about joining instructions. Please note that some units may have a waiting list.

5. I’m not within the age range to join what else can I do?

Alternative options to Police Cadets are the Service Cadet Schemes - Army, Air, Sea, or other youth uniform organisations such as the Scouts, Guides, Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, St John Ambulance. Please see www.youlondon.org.uk for more information. There should be local provision in your area and they also offer excellent activities and opportunities for young people. Additionally you may wish to contact your Local Authority about other youth provision in your locality.

6. I’m 18 years old can I still join?

We would suggest that now you have turned 18 years old that you consider volunteering with the Special Constables. Have a look at their website to see if this is something you would be interested in http://www.met.police.uk/careers/specials/.

7. How often do cadets meet?

Units meet once a week in the evening and are involved in activities at weekends and during school holidays.

8. How much does it cost?

Even though the Cadets are a voluntary organisation we do ask cadets to give a small amount of money to the unit through weekly subscriptions. The reason for this is because this will cover some basic expenses in running the Cadets. However if individuals have particular financial difficulties then a resolution can be discussed through with the local Coordinator.

9. What equipment do I need?

There is no specific equipment you need in order to join the cadets. We provide a uniform to Cadets at no cost – however you will have to provide black shoes/boots. We recommend bringing a pen and pad to write down notes and to take in information when at Cadet meetings/events. When it comes to camp you will be required to bring the basics but if you do not posses any of those items talk to the cadet Coordinator.

10. Can I just go along and see what it is like?

You will need to speak to the Coordinator to arrange to go along.

11. Will it help me join the Police force?

The Volunteer Police Cadets will provide you with an insight into policing; however it will not specifically assist your application

12. Can I still join if I have been in trouble with the police?

This will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

13. What do Police Cadets do?

Police cadets, help and assist in the community by getting involved in stewarding in local events such as career fairs, town shows, carnivals and other local events. We also assist in high profile events such as the London Marathon, Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Day, Charity Events, Film Premieres and Conferences.

We also help crack down on the selling of tobacco, weapons, alcohol, fireworks and other items that are illegally sold to young people. These operations, known as ‘Test Purchase’ are performed by cadets of suitable age along side Trading Standards Officers.

We also help the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams through leaflet drops, crime prevention initiatives, community safety events and street surveys.

Police Cadets are taught basic knowledge in a variety of policing activity. Law for example, definitions of robbery, burglary, theft, public order, Police and Criminal Evidence Act, along with arrest and custody procedures. Also an insight into how to deal with a Road Traffic Collision, first aid, officers safety, conflict management, the caution, stop & search and stop & account establishing the differences between the two. Additionally, about the history of the police.

We have a big interest in team work within the Cadets, which is why we also practice and perfect the discipline of drill. We take pride in our uniform. As cadets we are taught how to be disciplined and independent on how to clean and maintain high standards in uniform. We present ourselves professionally at events and cadet weekly meetings.

We have the opportunity to take part in 4 competitions a year. These are (i) Annual MPS Cadet Competition at Hendon - which consists of police based and physical scenarios, (ii) Thriftwood - a combination of physical and problem solving activities performed as a group, (iii) Iron Team - very similar to ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’ and, (iv) Spring Competition - which again is a physical and problem solving based competition.

As cadets we also have the opportunity to visit different units in the police service, such as Air Support Unit, the Marine Police, the Mounted Branch (Horses) the Firearms unit, Forensic unit.

We take part in a well known award around the country, which is Duke of Edinburgh Award and have the opportunity to go on expeditions. It enables the young cadets to have a good experience, outside of the inner city and daily life and explore, develop new skills.

14. What have you learnt from being in cadets?

The experiences of one young person who has been a Volunteer Police Cadet.
I have learnt to work effectively as a team, as a unit, and how to take initiative to lead the unit in competitions as I am head cadet. I’ve gained skills that I’d thought I would never learn like navigation skills reading a map, using a compass and orienteering. I’ve had the opportunity to visit certain parts of Wales walking in Snowdonia, going to the Yorkshire Dales. This year we are going to Hadrian’s Wall. I enjoy all of it even the drill. One of my biggest experiences I’ve had is to take part and represent my cadet unit in the biggest parade ever to happen at Horse Guards Parade. I was the flag bearer and each flag represented every police cadet borough and this event only happens once.

I think the biggest aspects I’ve learnt is people skills, communicating and interacting with the public - community involvement.

Cadets

You London