Senior cadets
For young people aged between 13 and 16
Our senior cadet programme is for young people aged between 13 and 16 years of age (although cadets can remain in the programme until they are 18).
The scheme offers an exciting, well-established opportunity to develop life skills, enhance your CV and help prepare for future careers both within the police and other professions. Being a cadet will help you to stand out in future college, university, volunteering or job applications at times when competition for college and university places and employment is fierce.
Why should I join?
Most importantly, because its great fun, but there are lots of other reasons too:
- you will become part of our policing family and build friendships which will last a lifetime
- you will have the opportunity to learn new skills, build your confidence and improve your team working and leadership abilities
- you could obtain a qualification such as Duke of Edinburgh, Cadet Vocational college (CVC), First Aid at work, Mental Health First Aid and outdoor First aid
- you could take part in our residential trips during the summer holidays or visit France or Belgium as part of our Battlefield day trips and residential trips
- help your community by taking part in volunteering activities and early volunteering badges and other rewards for the number of hours you volunteer
- get fit – take part in the “bleep test” and monthly circuit training and fitness evenings
- progress through the ranks with the opportunity to become a cadet sergeant, cadet inspector or cadet chief inspector
- the opportunity to be nominated to become a Lord Lieutenant’s cadet and represent not only your unit but the Kent volunteer police cadets
- enhance your CV and have access to staff and leaders who will help and support you through the interview process whether you are applying for a role within Kent Police or another employer
Programme
The syllabus includes:
- policing duties and skills
- sporting activities and drill (including parades)
- participation in community/police crime prevention initatives and events
The initatives and events may include:
- carrying out reassurance visits in the communities
- visiting older members of the community and promoting crime reduction initatives
- promoting personal safety
- helping with community schemes such as Speedwatch
- working with local Neighbourhood Policing teams and in local areas to promote safety measures and provide reassurance
- support the Police and Crime plan
During your time with us you'll follow an action-packed curriculum. You'll be invited to overnight trips, team-building activities and national policing events. You'll be able to support our police officers at community events and also visit different policing units (including the dog section and firearms)!
Once you’re 18, you can volunteer as a cadet leader or apply for other roles, like special constable, PCSO or police officer. While the cadet scheme is not a direct entrance into the police, it will give you an insight into policing, build your employability skills and help you make informed career choices.
Locations
The cadets meet at various locations across Kent.
Find details about meeting locations and times.
Cost
You will be asked to pay a small subscription of £12 a month with a one-off £15 registration fee. This will only be used for equipment or events that directly benefit cadets. However, personal financial circumstances will be considered.
Apply
If you are interested in becoming a senior cadet, please click on 'apply' to register your details on our waiting list.
If your preferred area does not appear in the drop-down list, we are unable to add you to the waiting list as it is currently over-subscribed. Please keep checking back and we look forward to receiving your application once the waiting list has re-opened.
Please do not apply for an alternative area unless you are able to accept a place at this unit. Unfortunately, we will not be able to transfer you to a closed waiting list.