PROUD West Mercia Police cadets have celebrated completing their two-year programme with a parade in front of family and friends.
The 98 young cadets took part in a passing out ceremony on Saturday, September 3 at West Mercia’s Hindlip Hall headquarters, where they carried out a drill and marching display in front of cadet leaders, police officers, loved ones and special guests.
After the display, the cadet of the year from each detachment was presented with an award by Amanda Blakeman, assistant chief constable for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police.
The cadet programme gives an insight into life as a police officer, as well as builds life skills through a variety of activities including team building, role playing and outward bound events.
Upon completion, the cadets will receive their Level 2 Award in ‘Leadership and Team Skills’, awarded by the Institute of Leadership and Management and is equivalent to a GCSE A* to C grade.
ACC Blakeman said: “I was thrilled to meet the amazing young people and recognise their achievements.
“Joining the cadets is not just for those who want to pursue a career as a police officer, but to any young person who wants to learn important skills whilst making new friends and having fun.
“They should be rightly proud of their achievements. They will take the valuable life skills they have learnt with them onto the next stage of their careers. Saturday’s parade was a fitting celebration and I felt a real sense of pride watching them.”
Tracey Onslow, deputy police and crime commissioner, said: “The cadets are an inspiration. It’s great to see them volunteering their time to their serve communities at such a young age.
“We would also like to thank the police officers who gave up their time to run the cadets scheme and would like to wish those who committed two years to the cadets the very best in their future careers.”
