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 Head Cadet Abigail will be on hand to assist the High Sheriff at some of the county visits and events.

“My name is Abigail and I have been a member of Surrey Police Cadets for just over 3 years, since January 2020. I was made Head Cadet of the Surrey Heath Cadets group in 2022. I have attended many volunteering and educational events with the cadets and some of my highlights include taking part in Race For Life in aid of Cancer Research, attending Guildford Crown Court, participating in Police Riot Training and The Army Challenge Day.

Away from cadets I enjoy horse riding and I am currently studying Horse Care at Merrist Wood college. I would love to be a Mounted Police Officer in the future. I am looking forward to working with the High Sherriff this year and I hope to have many more exciting and engaging experiences as the High Sherriff’s cadet.”

Official Images – The High Sheriff of Surrey

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.