The Volunteer Police Cadets offer a safe and friendly environment for young people to develop into good citizens. We are a fully inclusive uniformed youth group welcoming cadets from any social, economic, ethnic group; gender; ability / disability. We actively encourage young people who may feel disadvantaged through crime or social exclusion to join the VPC.
All activities are risk assessed and have suitable insurance cover. All regular unit venues are risk assessed on an annual basis with a rolling assessment completed at each meeting.
All our leaders are suitably vetted, by the relevant police force, to national standards associated with looking after young people. All visitors to units are appropriately vetted / monitored too.
Cadets take part in a wide variety of activities relevant to their ability and age for which you will be asked to complete a Health and Permission form, ensuring that their unit is fully up to date with any health related issues. A Health and Permission form will need to be completed for every event.
Most forces are moving towards electronic registration and event planning for their cadets. All personal details are held under nationally recognised security conditions and are not shared with organisations outside the police service.
FAQs for Parents and Carers
Most forces provide cadet uniform free of charge, provided it is cared for.
Most forces do not make a subscription (subs) charge; however those that may do only have a low, nominal charge.
There may be a nominal charge from time to time depending on the cost of activity e.g. annual camp. However, some units will actively fundraise to cover these extra costs.
They usually meet once a week for 2 hours. It is expected that cadets will also volunteer at least 3 hours per month on top of meetings.
Each application is looked at on its own merit. We have cadets whose parents / carers have been in trouble with the police.
Yes, each application is viewed on its own merit.
Yes, police forces, wherever possible, ensure that all needs are supported and relevant adjustments made to accommodate all cadets.
We make many adjustments to accommodate cadets. We take advice from the young person, their parents / carers and others and can often put plans into place.
Yes. We acknowledge how a young person may align themselves to a particular faith or non-faith group. It has no bearing on their application.
Most of our leaders are police officers, PCSOs and other police staff; however, all leaders are vetted by their force to the appropriate level to meet national standards for working with young people.
Yes, their force arranges specialist leader training. They may also provide further training for non-police activities, such as Duke of Edinburgh leadership training. An Adult Volunteer Team Leader Training course has been developed by the VPC to include safeguarding and learning environment styles.
Most are not held in police stations. The venues tend to be at the hub of a young person's community, usually a school or community centre. There will be visits to police stations from time to time.
No, the VPC only asks that you support your cadet to and from events and meetings. However, should you wish to become a Volunteer Leader, then that opportunity is available to you with the appropriate vetting etc.