A Great Opportunity for Young People – The Volunteer Police Cadets.

I was delighted to visit, with Suzanne, the newest police cadet unit in Surrey. Based at Ashcombe School in Dorking the Mole Valley Unit opened four weeks ago and already has 20 cadets who have come from a number of local schools.

They meet on Tuesday evenings and welcome all young people aged 13 to 17. It provides a safe and inclusive environment for cadets to learn about policing, develop positive relationships with the police and actively support their community; and it is completely free to join! The photo shows the new recruits who are being fitted up for their uniforms.

There are seven Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) Units across Surrey, the others are located in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking and they meet one evening a week during academic term time and cadet deployments and events also take place at weekends and during the school holidays.

Why join the cadets?

Joining our Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme comes with a range of benefits including:

  • Making new friendships – Connect with like-minded peers and build lasting relationships.
  • Exciting activities – Take part in police-related training, games and team-building exercises.
  • Community involvement – Support your local area through volunteering and social action projects.
  • Personal development – Gain confidence, leadership skills, and an understanding of policing.
  • Career insights – Learn about policing in Surrey and explore potential future careers.

Becoming a volunteer police cadet in Surrey can help you develop a wide range of valuable skills including:

  • Communication skills – Improve your ability to interact confidently with different people.
  • Teamwork – Learn how to collaborate effectively in group settings through team activities.
  • Problem-solving – Develop your critical thinking and decision-making ability.
  • Leadership – Gain experience in taking initiative and guiding others.

You could even end up like Imogen and Grace and become a High Sheriff Police Cadet!