The partnership between The Walt Disney Company EMEA Security partnership and the National VPC took another step forward with three teams of Volunteer Police Cadets joining the Disney Security team at the Leicester Square Cineworld in London this week, had an amazing experience at the UK Premiere of 20th Century Studios’ latest major film, “Free Guy”
Leading on from the biggest-ever VPC webinar to meet senior executives, film makers and professionals from The Walt Disney Company and find out all about the organisation, where 800 VPCs representing police forces across the UK joined online and with changes in youth activity COVID restrictions VPC teams from Croydon, Westminster and Hammersmith & Fulham, were invited for the first time ever to support this major event for “Free Guy”, alongside professional colleagues and security teams on the VIP carpet and inside the cinema.
After a welcome briefing by The Walt Disney Company’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) Security Team, the cadets had a tour of the venue which was being changed and set-dressed to welcome the stars, celebrities, and VIPs.
They then took positions in and around the location, fully immersed and watching such an iconic premiere event unfold live in front of them. The highlight was meeting star Jodie Comer who spoke to cadets about their experiences and invited them onto the VIP carpet with her for photos (main picture above).
Sabrina Bains, lead liaison from TWDC EMEA Security, said “I was blown away by the professionalism of the cadets and their willingness to carry on with the job at hand despite the atrocious weather! It was fantastic working with such a hardworking and inquisitive group of young people. The cadets are a credit to their leaders, and we are very excited to continue working closely as a team with the VPC.”
Cadet coordinator PC Becky Pitt said -
"I could see the cadet’s excitement as soon as they knew it was a possibility and then it continued to grow on the way to central London, during the event and even then, on the way home! It was brilliant to see how seriously they took their roles in helping and the surprise and appreciation for all the work that goes into preparing and running the event. The surprise for me was that it wasn't just the celebrities & talent that they were interested in but also the event management and security. They are still asking questions now about things they saw or experienced. Thank you!"
The Volunteer Police Cadets, all aged 15 – 17, had an amazing day. Here’s what they said -
“It was an amazing opportunity for us as not many teenagers get to help out at such a big event. It was one of the best experiences of my life.”
“I think I can say for all of us we were all extremely excited to help in the event and left buzzing, can’t wait to see if there is another event we can help with. Thank you!”
“Thank you for an awesome opportunity, we as cadets have never really been involved in such an event before and it was amazing to be part of it. It was very interesting to have an insight into just how a big event is managed and dealt with to make sure everything runs smoothly, and security measures are in place and maintained.”
“We got an amazing experience yesterday to be able to see all the work put into major events by Disney and to have the opportunity to help was so much fun, especially because its such unique experience that not many people ever get to see.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to see how events are put together and how every person has a role to play in the event going smoothly and the opportunity to meet people. It was amazing for every one of us to be invited.”
Tim Mann, National VPC Projects and Partnerships lead said, “Thank you so much to our incredible TWDC EMEA Security team partners & colleagues who have given our VPC teams such a great experience, and especially our amazing cadets who have been absolutely brilliant at this our first-ever live film premiere event”
The intention is for similar events to be held in other locations across England & Wales so that the opportunity is available to Cadets in other Police Forces
