Volunteers’ Week: Meet the young police cadets who volunteer their time to help serve their communities

Making a difference in the community, gaining new skills and meeting new friends, are just some of the reasons Dyfed-Powys Police young cadets are proud to volunteer.

Every week, teenagers aged between 13 and 17 years-old give up their own time to attend the Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) in Newtown, Carmarthen, Brecon, Llanelli, Ammanford, and Pembroke Dock.

The scheme is a nationally recognised free program that gives young people the opportunity to make friends, develop leadership skills, engage with the police and contribute positively to the community.

The cadets participate in a two-hour weekly structured programme, that are led by Volunteer Police Cadet Leaders, which include police officers, police staff and external volunteers, and help to enhance the relationship between the public and police.

The aim is to prepare young people for their future by providing varied activities and opportunities to develop and enhance interpersonal skills and confidence, while achieving a sense of pride through supporting community policing.

Rhian Curtis, Force Volunteer Police Cadet Officer, said:

“To celebrate Volunteers Week we would like to thank all our volunteer police cadets for their enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to policing.

“Every week, they give up their time to help make a difference in their local areas and they deserve to be recognised.

“Young people are sometimes unfairly labelled as being the cause of anti-social behaviour, but our cadets are role models, young people who want to help make a positive contribution in their communities.”

We speak to some of the Volunteer Police Cadets from Newtown about what it is like being in the cadets, what they enjoy and why they volunteer.

“I have been in cadets for nearly three years after my mum saw an advert on Facebook. I joined to develop my understanding of the police but also to develop my confidence. I have gained a lot about the different roles in the police which I plan on adding to my CV. 

“Police cadets makes me aware of other volunteers and how they help the community. I feel happy knowing I can help the community. I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. It is good to feel that we play a role in the community.

“My most memorable and proudest moment is receiving a certificate for my work at the Remembrance Day parade after I read out the names of the fallen soldiers. Being a police cadet is very rewarding.” Nansi.

“Volunteering feels fulfilling. I feel I understand the community better since joining cadets. I joined the police cadets because I’ve always wanted to be in the police and being in cadets makes me feel closer to be being in the police. I really enjoyed going on a visit to the custody suite to see what happens there. I like talking to new people when we go to different places. The cadets is very rewarding and I would encourage other teenagers to join.” Steve.

“I wanted to join cadets because I want to be a police officer as I like helping people. I found out about cadets from school and old friends. I want to gain a better understanding of what the police do in the community. It feels great knowing that I can help make a positive change in the community. I have enjoyed all the experiences and sharing them with a great group of people who have become friends.

“I only joined a few months ago and my first session was memorable as we used police radios. I also enjoyed visiting the magistrate’s court. Being a cadet makes you feel good about yourself and I would recommend being a police cadet.” Mia.

“I have been in the cadets for eight months and joined because I’m interested in the police. I hope to gain more knowledge of the police and I like learning more about my community. It makes me feel good that we can help. I enjoy getting to know new people.” Cheyne.

“I have been in cadets for almost a year and joined as I wanted to try something new. I find it great for building confidence in talking publicly in new places. I like the opportunity to learn about new things and socialise with new people.” Julia.

“I particularly like being a cadet as you get to find friends with the same interests as you which can be very difficult. I like making memories with the people in cadets and I like meeting different people from the police force. I joined because I want to be a detective and help people. I found out about the cadets from my school. It looks good on my CV and I really enjoy it. I really enjoyed the custody session it has been my most memorable session so far.” Aimee.

Dyfed-Powys Police is recruiting for new Volunteer Police Cadets across the force. For more information visit Volunteer Police Cadets | Dyfed-Powys Police