Be a Cadet

Would you like to join the fastest growing uniformed youth group in the UK?

Volunteer Police Cadets operates in every force across England & Wales with Scotland being known as Police Scotland Youth Volunteers but still operating under the same principles.

The Mini Police and Junior VPC are growing schemes that do not currently operate across every Police Force, please contact your local force to find out more.

It is our vision within our strategy that in the future we aim to achieve a seamless journey from 8 yrs to adulthood through the VPC.

We welcome cadets from any background, social group, gender, ethnicity, ability / disability and whether you have an interest in the police or not.

We welcome young people who may have previously been in trouble with the police or may feel some disconnection with their peers and community.

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.

There is nothing else like the VPC - it is a unique experience for young people to become part of the policing family for many years.

Benefits of being a cadet

• Make new friendships
• 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
• Gain an insight into British policing

"I used to get into trouble at school when I was 13 and I had no direction. The VPC gave me some purpose and believed in me as a person. My self-esteem grew and I stopped getting into trouble. I am now 17 and am looking forward to becoming a Volunteer Team Leader for the VPC when I'm 18 and inspiring cadets who may have a similar background to me. It has been great fun and I have made many new friends."

Joining the VPC

Leicestershire cadets expressing why they joined the VPC