Tracey has welcomed the Kent Volunteer Cadet Scheme which has been re-launched and is encouraging constituents interested to make their applications.

Kent Police has opened applications for a Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) programme. 

Young people in Chatham & Aylesford can now express an interest in joining the first wave of the scheme by visiting this website: http://kent-pcc.gov.uk/home.php?entry_id=1474029430

The VPC is a uniformed voluntary organisation supported by Kent Police welcoming applications from young people aged 13 to 17-years-old. Teenagers are welcome to apply from all communities, irrespective of their backgrounds, financial circumstances and including those vulnerable to crime or social exclusion.

The cadet programme is supported by Kent’s Chief Constable Alan Pughsley and Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott. It will offer a variety of opportunities to young people that they may not have available to them through other channels.

The aim of the programme is to inspire young people whilst promoting a practical understanding of policing. The activities offered will allow the cadets the opportunity to develop qualifications, enhance their inter-personal skills and confidence and achieve a sense of pride through supporting community policing.

The VCP will be run by volunteers from both within and outside Kent Police and the groups will run from non-police venues, such as schools, and meet on a weekly basis.

Chief Constable Pughsley said: ‘Many forces across the country offer a Volunteer Police Cadets programme and I whole-heartedly support the launch in Kent. The programme has been developed to encourage young people to positively interact with their communities and offer the cadets opportunities that they may not usually have.’

Mr Scott said: ‘It’s really important to provide young people from all backgrounds with positive ways to engage with the police, and the success of cadet programmes in other areas told me that this was something we should be exploring here in Kent. Within weeks of taking office I allocated £72,000 of OPCC funding over two years to make it happen.

‘It’s about providing new opportunities for young people and also giving them a fantastic insight into what policing is really like. I’m very pleased that recruitment is now open and I look forward to meeting up with the first recruits in due course.’

The programme will be launched in three districts – Medway, Tonbridge and Canterbury. It is anticipated that in time it will be rolled out in each of Kent’s 13 districts.

The VCP is not a direct route into the police, though it will teach young people about responsible citizenship and community policing.

Tracey said: I am delighted that funding has been secured to bring back this fantastic scheme for young people in Kent. The training and voluntary work made available through Kent Police is a great way for young people to learn more about the work of the Police whilst gaining valuable skills in helping the local community. I am promoting the scheme and encouraging those interested to make their applications for this fantastic initiative.”