Volunteer Police Cadets

The Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) is one of the fastest growing uniformed Youth Organisations in the country with currently over 5,000 young Londoners engaged in the programme.

It is open to young people aged between 13-17 from across London’s diverse communities, irrespective of their background or financial circumstances and including those vulnerable to crime or social exclusion. The VPC offers fantastic opportunities for young people aimed at enhancing their life experiences and citizenship skills.

A main aspect of Police Cadets are weekly meetings. These are generally held in local schools, once a week, except school holidays. During these meetings, Cadets learn about the police and policing through fun classroom based activities and role plays as well as do lots of different sporting activities and physical training to keep fit. They will also learn the skill of performing ceremonial drill which involves discipline and team work.

All Cadet Units offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award, as well as the opportunity to get a Jack Petchey Award and a qualification in Basic First Aid, all of which provide young people with greater opportunities to obtain education, employment and training.

Outside of weekly meetings, typical activities carried out by the VPC include:

• Stewarding at local events such as career fairs, town shows and carnivals
• Assisting Safer Neighbourhood Teams in local crime prevention initiatives, including leaflet drops, weapon sweeps and phone/bike marking
• 'Test purchase' operations to detect underage sales of weapons, alcohol, cigarettes, fireworks, and other items that are illegally sold to young people
• Helping at large, high profile events such as the London Marathon, Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Day, Charity Events, Film Premieres and Conferences

 How to Join

If you are aged 13-17 and are interested in becoming a Volunteer Police Cadet, please email us at brentvpc@met.police.uk

If you are 18 years and over, and are interested in the Volunteer Police Cadets programme, why not become a Volunteer Police Cadet Leader. Click here for more info.

To be a Volunteer Police Cadet:

• Aged 13-17
• Live or Study in the borough you wish to join.

 

To be a Volunteer Police Cadet Leader:

• Aged 18+
• Live, Study or Work in the borough you wish to join.