Surrey Police Cadet Scheme

Surrey Police began piloting the National Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) scheme in Autumn 2016. We currently have 9 units across the county located in the boroughs of:

Elmbridge, Runnymead, Spelthorne, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead, Guildford, Surrey Heath, Woking and our newest unit Farnham which will be opening this year.

Each of these units are led by a volunteer leadership team consisting of Police Officers, Police Staff, Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers who all give up their own time on top of their day roles to run the sessions.

The scheme is designed to provide a safe environment in which young people can learn as individuals, develop positive relationships with the police and actively support their community. We will help to prepare you for the future by offering varied activities and opportunities to enhance your interpersonal skills and confidence. Cadets are encouraged to work towards achieving qualifications through the scheme whilst gaining a sense of pride through supporting community policing.

National objectives for the scheme include Cadets that represent the diversity of their community, an aim to recruit 25% from a vulnerable or disadvantaged background and offering a diversionary opportunity to those who are most in need of it.

Who is it for?

Our scheme is open to anyone aged 13-18 and living in Surrey and it is currently free of charge.

We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities so, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identify or gender expression, disability, social status or religious beliefs, we would love to hear from you.

How does it work?

You will attend weekly sessions from 6pm – 8pm at one of our locations across the county. Unit meetings take place during academic terms and planned events are also scheduled during the holidays. At meetings you will do drill, sport, activities, games and team-building. You will also learn topics such as law, community, communication and police procedures. Your learning will be centred around the national VPC curriculum and you will receive training inputs on police-related topics which will include guest speakers and visits from specialist teams like Dogs, Firearms and Drones to name a few. You will also go out to visit various units and departments within Surrey Police during your time as a Cadet.

Cadets assist policing teams and are expected to volunteer an average of three hours per month working in their communities on crime prevention and social action projects

As the Cadets become more senior within their unit, they are encouraged to take additional personal responsibility in a number of areas such as mentoring new Cadets joining the scheme and developing their own ideas for Cadet deployments into the community. 

How can I get involved?

If you would like any further information about joining, have any questions or you think Surrey Police Cadets may be able to support at an event you are planning, please email: [email protected]

Visit vpc.police.uk to find out more about the National Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme.