Cadet Scheme honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
A prestigious national award has been given to Kent’s Volunteer Police Cadet programme in recognition of its outstanding volunteering achievements.
The scheme, which was established in 2015, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024 – the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent to a collective MBE.
Announced on 14 November 2024, to mark HM The King’s birthday, the award recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups and the support they provide their communities.
Catering for 11-18-year-olds, the cadet programme provides an opportunity for young people to get involved in activities which support community policing, such as stewarding local events, providing crime prevention advice and advising the force on youth issues and concerns.
Cadets undergo training, learn about responsible citizenship, and take part in voluntary work with police officers in the local community on a weekly basis.
Valuable
Chief Constable of Kent Police Tim Smith said:
‘Our cadets and their leaders are valuable members of the Kent Police family, providing vital support to my officers as well as the communities they serve.
‘Cadet life is all about challenge, excitement and adventure and it is a testament to their achievements and their cadet leaders that they have been recognised with the highest honour a voluntary group can be awarded.
‘Our cadets get the opportunity to contribute to policing and see first-hand what goes into a career of service, as well as learning from how our regular colleagues, special constables and police staff all serve the people of Kent.
‘I speak on behalf of everyone associated with Kent Police when I say how proud we are of our cadets and their leaders for this fantastic achievement.’
Qualifications
Currently, there are a total of 434 Kent Police cadets, supported by 120 active cadet leaders who meet weekly across the county. Each unit is supported by volunteer cadet leaders while the force also offers Junior and Mini cadet schemes for those aged eight and above.
As well as supporting community policing, members are also able to obtain qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, complete first aid training, and take part in educational trips during school holidays such as battlefield tours or climbing Mount Snowdon.
While the scheme is not a direct entrance route into a career in policing, cadets do gain an insight into the force and build their employability skills. Since the start of the programme, many cadets have gone on to become police officers, Special Constables, or staff members with Kent Police.
It is the second time Kent Police has been recognised for the exceptional quality of its volunteering programmes, after the Kent Special Constabulary was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service back in 2014. Kent Police is the only organisation in the UK to have been awarded both.
Successful
Kent Police’s Director of Citizens in Policing Gavin McKinnon OBE, who oversees the cadet programme said:
‘Being part of the cadets is about encouraging young people to understand what it means to be good citizens. It is not a scheme to recruit police officers of the future, but a platform for young people to learn and help them have a successful career, whatever industry that may be in.
‘Our cadets are learning valuable and transferrable life skills, becoming skilled at decision making, and creating friendships and memories. The cadet program, thanks entirely to the work of our cadet leaders, gives the cadets an edge in life, and in some cases gives them hope and encouragement to achieve their potential.
‘I’m so proud of the contribution from every cadet, cadet leader and everyone who works behind the scenes to ensure the success of the scheme. There is no higher form of recognition than that from His Majesty The King, and as we approach the 10th year of our cadet program in Kent this is a very fitting tribute to everyone who has given so much to make it deserving of this award for excellence.’
Delighted
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said:
‘I have been delighted to support the cadets since my election. It provides fantastic opportunities for young people across our county and the results speak for themselves.
‘I congratulate the leaders and young people involved for this honour for which they can be very proud.’
Published: 14 November 2024.