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Posted on June 19th 2019
Join the UK's Fastest Growing Uniformed Youth Group
Would you like to join the new Police Cadets group which has just started at Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich? It runs every Tuesday from 7pm – 9pm.
PC Neil Warren helps to run the North Southwark Cadet Unit, now based at HBAED. "Young people come along because they want to be with like-minded people, or perhaps because they like all the weekend and holiday activities we offer," he says. "It's very good watching the young cadets grow in confidence and become leaders themselves."
Cadets Harry and Agnes (pictured above) are just two of the 30-40 young people who come along to the North Southwark cadets each week. "For me, I want to be a police officer so I like getting out there with the police and doing community engagement," says Harry, who has been a cadet for nearly two years. Agnes says she likes the drills. "They require quite a bit of discipline and I like that because I like a good challenge."
Real policing
Cadets can get involved in real policing too, says PC Warren, though he stresses they are not necessarily looking to recruit future police officers. "Sometimes we ask cadets to 'test purchase' knives, to see if shops are willing to sell them one illegally, or take part in weapon sweeps of open land under supervision," he says.
The cadets can give all young people a chance to be heard, support their community and develop skills to become fantastic citizens in a fun, friendly and exciting way. "We welcome all young people, including those who might be having a hard time at school," says PC Warren. "For some young people we can be a positive diversion away from trouble."
He also likes the way that cadets can talk to their friends and classmates about policing. "For example we talk to our cadets about 'stop and search' and why police do it, and the cadets can then explain to their friends too. Hearing it from your peers is the best way of getting across police messages," he says.
Volunteer Police Cadets are found in a growing number of cities, towns and communities across the UK offering great opportunities to young people aged 13 – 19 years. HBAED is delighted to be the new home for the North Southwark Cadets and we look forward to building a long-lasting relationship with them.
If you would like to join the cadets, or find out more, simply ask PC Marcus. Parents can also call PC Marcus on 020 8299 5300 or email m.kudliskis@harris-net.org.uk.
