Surrey Police began piloting the National Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) scheme in Autumn 2016. Now we have six across the county located in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede and Woking and are hopeful of expanding further still in the future.

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 young people for their future by offering varied activities and opportunities to enhance their inter-personal skills and confidence. Cadets are also 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.

How does it work?

Cadets attend a two-hour evening session each week which will include inputs, drill, sport activities, team-building and talks from guest speakers, both internally and externally.

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

Units run throughout the academic school year with some planned events during the holidays and at weekends. The VPC national syllabus covers topics such as law, community, communication and police procedures. Cadets will progress through a workbook, developing from the induction (recruit) phase through different levels.

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.