Cadet Leader Recruitment Campaign

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The Metropolitan Police Service needs you

A campaign is underway to recruit hundreds more volunteer cadet leaders who can help make a difference to the lives of thousands of young adults in the capital.

The MPS needs around 400 extra cadet leaders aged 18 to 65 from all backgrounds and walks of life to support a drive to increase its volunteer Police Cadet [VPC] programme by 4,000 cadets, as pledged in the Mayor's Policing and Crime plan.

Without more leaders the MPS is unable to take on more cadets - so attracting a raft of new role models is vital for the future.

The campaign, which comprises of newspaper, radio and online ads and use of social media channels, Facebook and Twitter illustrate how VPC Leaders can help to inspire young cadets - urging Londoners who want to work with young people to get involved and give up their spare time.
The VPC is a uniformed voluntary youth organisation, supported by the MPS, which is open to 13-18 year-olds from across London's diverse communities, irrespective of their background financial circumstances and including those vulnerable to crime or social exclusion.
There are some 2,500 cadets currently in the VPC across London supported by 303 leaders - with at least one VPC unit in every borough.

Cadets help and assist in the community in a variety of ways, including working with Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, supporting leaflet drops and drop- in surgeries; taking part in problem solving projects and stewarding at high profile events such as Trooping the Colour and Remembrance Day.

Cadet Leaders support cadets by helping them to develop life skills, including assisting them as they take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and weekend and school holiday camps.
Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey, MPS lead for the VPC, said: "The police cadets have become an integral part of the Met family and I am very proud of the work they do all across London. We want to build upon their success and involve more young people in the programme, but we can't do that without recruiting more Cadet Leaders.

"Our existing cadet leaders come from all walks of life, giving up their time to run the programmes, teach young people life skills and help them grow into young adults. This role is extremely rewarding and I urge anyone who thinks they could help make a difference to apply."
Katie Penn, who has responsibility for the expansion of adult volunteer recruitment, said:
"We are in the middle of an exciting expansion programme, offering more opportunities to young people across London, but in order to allow more people to join as cadets, we need adult volunteers to help run the programme as VPC leaders - who are the key to our success.

"The Volunteer Police Cadet Programme offers amazing opportunities for young people across London to gain new skills and qualifications develop leadership qualities, make new friends and most importantly to have fun. There are no qualifications or skills required. Being a leader can also help boost your own personal developments."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, said:
"Uniformed groups play a huge role in inspiring young Londoners, instilling ambition and helping them to reach their full potential. Police cadets are a great example of how enthusiastic volunteers can support our police and make a real difference to young people, and we want to see a big expansion in cadet units. I would urge anyone who wants to get involved and become a cadet leader in their local community.”

To find out more about the VPC programme, visit www.met.police.uk/cadets and for details on how to apply visit www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/cadets or call 0845 434 9519 to see if you’re eligible for an application form.

April 30, 2013