Frequenty asked questions

What do police cadets do?

Police cadets help and assist in the community by assisting with local events such as fairs, town shows, carnivals and other local events. They helpwith high profile events such as the Suffolk Show.

Police cadets also help the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams through leaflet drops, crime prevention initiatives, community safety events and street surveys.

They are taught basic knowledge in a variety of policing activity. Law for example, definitions of robbery, burglary, theft, public order, Police and Criminal Evidence Act, along with arrest and custody procedures. Cadets will also get an insight into how to deal with a road traffic collision, first aid, officers safety, conflict management, the caution and stop and search powers.

Suffolk Police has a big interest in teamwork within the cadets, which is why we also practice and perfect the discipline of drill. We take pride in our uniform and cadets are taught how to be disciplined and independent on how to clean and maintain high standards.

As cadets they also have the opportunity to visit different departments in the police service, such as Air Support Unit, Dog Section, Firearms unit, Roads Policing and Scenes of Crime unit.

 

What will I learn?

Each cadet will be provided with a development and training programme, containing achievable time related tasks. Each individual will be expected to complete the tasks as set out within a set period of time. This will include activities related to station duties, knowledge of localised community operations and selected tasks related to assisting local Safer Neighbourhood Team staff.

Cadet leaders will monitor each cadet’s development. Achievements will be rewarded by the presentation of certificates when agreed milestones have been attained.

 

How old do I have to be to join?

The Suffolk Police Volunteer Police Cadets Scheme recruits young people between the ages of 13 and 16 years. Young people can remain cadets within their unit until their 18th birthday.

 

Do I have to have any qualifications or skills?

You don’t need any experience, skills or qualifications to be a cadet. All we ask is that you commit to attending regularly, and strive to improve yourself and your local community.

 

Can I still join if I have special needs?

The scheme welcomes young people of all abilities. If a recruit has special requirements this will, wherever possible be accommodated, if necessary using the support of a carer provided by the cadet.

 

Will you look into my family and background?

All potential cadets will be vetted. The purpose of this vetting is not to routinely exclude any young person from membership but rather to allow the cadet leaders to manage any potential risk that is highlighted.

 

I don’t live in Suffolk can I still join?

We are only able to offer places to young people living in Suffolk. Each unit is linked to a local policing command of which there are 12 in the county. Young people wishing to join should be resident within the local policing command area. If you live outside Suffolk please contact your local police force to see if they run a cadet scheme. You can do this by calling in at your local police station or contacting the force through its website.

 

Are there open days?

We currently do not offer open days. However, if you contact your local unit they can arrange for you to come along and observe one of the evenings so you can see what it is like.

 

Where is my local unit and how do I contact them?

The numbers of units across Suffolk is currently small but growing. You can contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team for details or email: Cadetsinfo@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

 

I’m too young to join what else can I do?

Alternative options to police cadets are the service cadet schemes - army, air, sea, or other youth uniform organisations such as the Scouts, Guides, Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, and St John’s Ambulance. There should be local provision in your area offering excellent activities and opportunities for young people. Additionally, you may wish to contact your local authority about other youth provision in your area.

 

I’m too old to join what else can I do?

There are other volunteering opportunities within Suffolk Police including the Special Constabulary and Police Support Volunteers. See the ‘Join Us’ section on this website.

 

How often do cadets meet and where do the meetings take place?

Cadet meetings will take place on police premises. However, where a unit is not able to meet at such premises (either short term or long term) other suitable premises may be used.

The meetings will take place weekly throughout the year and be around two-hours long. There can be organised activities outside of this core meeting time both during weekends and school holiday times. However, no activity shall be organised which would encourage cadets to be absent from a place of education during normal term time.

A cadet may leave at anytime. If a cadet exhibits unacceptable behaviour that breaches the code of conduct, they may be requested to leave. If the cadet is below 17 years then a parent or guardian will be contacted and involved in the process.

 

How much does it cost?

Even though the cadets are a voluntary organisation we do ask cadets to give a small amount of money to the unit through weekly subscriptions. This will be used to cover some basic running expenses. If individuals have particular financial difficulties then a resolution can be discussed through with the local leaders.

 

What equipment/uniform do I need?

There is no specific equipment you need to join the cadets. We provide a uniform to cadets at no cost. However, you will have to provide black shoes/boots. We recommend bringing a pen and pad to write down notes when at cadet meetings/events.

 

Can I just go along and see what it is like?

You will need to speak to the leaders to arrange to go along.

 

Will it help me join the Police Force?

The Volunteer Police Cadets Scheme will provide you with an insight into policing; however, it will not specifically assist your application.

 

Can I still join if I have been in trouble with the police?

In most cases the answer to this is yes. However, each case will be considered on merit.