Cadets on parade in 10th anniversary celebrations
Police cadets from all over Devon and Cornwall were on parade at police Headquarters in Exeter on Saturday to celebrate the formation of their Community Police Cadet force exactly 10 years ago.
The event was lead by Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer who is the National Police Chief’s Council lead for Community Police Cadets. He was joined by civic leaders and dignitaries from across the force area including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, the Police and Crime Commissioner, the High Sheriff of Devon as well as the chair of Torbay Council. John Lee OBE, the former High Sheriff of Devon, who is the Cadet Ambassador across Devon and Cornwall, was also present.
After a welcoming address from the Chief Constable, more than 150 cadets marched in parade in front of their parents before an “inspection” by dignitaries. After the formalities, guests were entertained by a display from the police dog section before a team challenge involving the cadets. Exeter School of Samba and Devon & Somerset’s Fire and Rescue Corps of Drums and Pipes Band also attended the event.
Community Police Cadets (CPCs) are an important part of the extended police family. The voluntary scheme is for young people between the ages of 13 and 18. There are currently 17 cadet units across the two counties: 14 in Cornwall from St Austell to Wadebridge, four across Devon from Exeter to Kingsbridge, and one in Plymouth.
Mr Sawyer said “I meet cadets at various events and engagements throughout the year from County Shows, formal events, such as remembrance services, and occasionally informally during their training. I am always impressed by the enthusiasm and professionalism of our cadets who are ambassadors for young people as well as for the force.
“The expansion and continued success of our cadet scheme could not have been attained without the dedication and support of all Police Employees, Special Constables, PVP Cadet Volunteers and Cadets who have given their time and energy to develop, maintain and shape our cadet units into what they are today.”
The CPC aims to:
- promote positive images of young people and the police in the community;
- help young people develop skills, social responsibility and knowledge to make good life choices;
- facilitate links between the police and young people while developing an understanding of police and community working; and
- develop stronger communities and an awareness amongst young people of their community and environment in which they live.
CPCs is open to all young people, regardless of their career ambitions or capabilities. Each cadet will develop skills and confidence that will benefit communities and employers. They can join between the ages of 13-16 only and have to leave by their 18th birthday, when they will be encouraged to continue volunteering either as a Special Constable or a Police Volunteer.
