Grace Harrison

The High Sheriff’s Cadet, was introduced to provide assured and professional support for the High Sheriff and is a great opportunity for a Surrey Cadet to become part of the Shrieval team. This year Grace Harrison will be on hand to assist the High Sheriff at some of the county visits and events.

My name is Grace Harrison, I have been a volunteer police cadet for 4 years, 2 of which I have been Deputy Head Cadet of my unit and I have just been appointed High Sheriff of Surrey’s police cadet. Joining the police cadets has been one of the best decisions I made, it has given me so many opportunities I never would have thought to experience and gives me a sense of belonging. With the cadets I have been fortunate enough to attend many formal events, including representing the cadets at remembrance parades, awards ceremonies and participation in drill competitions. I have also been able to volunteer in the community, supporting a wide range of events such as fun runs, community fairs and assisting food banks. Overall, my experience in the cadets has been incredible and has given me so many opportunities and I am really looking forward to being the High Sheriff of Surrey’s Police Cadet.

Surrey Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme

Since 2017, we are proud that the High Sheriff of Surrey has been the patron of the Surrey VPC scheme.

There are now seven units across the county located in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Surrey Heath and Woking. Our next unit to open is in Spelthorne, which was about to open before Covid. We aim to launch this unit as soon as we possibly can. Our collective aim remains to have one unit in each of our boroughs.

The purpose of the VPC scheme is not to recruit police officers of the future, but to give young people opportunities. We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of his or her background. We encourage young people from all backgrounds to join, particularly those who may be vulnerable to the influences of crime and social exclusion. In Surrey, over 25% of our Cadets are from under-represented groups and almost 40% fall under the national definition of vulnerable to exclusion.

The national aims of the VPC scheme are:

  • To promote a practical understanding of policing amongst all young people.
  • To encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship.
  • To support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard.
  • To inspire young people to participate positively in their communities.

Each of our units are led by a volunteer leadership team consisting of Police Officers, Police Staff, Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers, the majority of who give up their own time on top of their day roles with the police or their other employment to run the sessions.