The overall aim of the Cleveland Police Cadet Service is to create socially responsible young people through involvement in crime prevention and safer community activities.
The grant is to be awarded to Safe in Tees Valley. They have run the Cadet Service for the past five years.
In accordance with Decision Record number 7 for 2013, the review of the Police Cadet Service has been completed. Key findings are:
Re-direction/rehabilitation of potential offenders/offenders:
The findings were positive.
Recruitment for the cadet scheme showed that at least 40% of recruits come from a vulnerable background.
There are some notable examples of individuals who have joined the scheme and have completely turned their lives around, becoming positive role models for other young people.
Some continue to be involved in the Cadet Service by becoming junior leaders. Others have gone on to undertake other commendable activities, working with young people in other organisations. It is therefore quite clear that this objective has been, and continues to be, valid.
Support for neighbourhood policing by support at local policing events and/or local community events:
This requires more development as there was a general acceptance that this was one of the areas there was less evidence of what it was providing in support of police initiatives and neighbourhood policing.
There is a need to get the cadets more involved with the work of local neighbourhood teams and have a higher profile within those areas.
Support for youths who would be considering a career in the police service:
The Cadet Service is not considered as a recruitment pool for the regular service.
However, organisers recognise that some individuals who complete the scheme may later go on to join the Special Constabulary and ultimately the regular police service.
The Cadets will work closely with the police so they can make clear choices as to whether policing is a future career choice for them.
The service specification for the Cadet Service has been updated to reflect the above review findings. Key outputs/outcomes are:
The target is to recruit 140 Cadets per year to engage in the Cadet programme.
The aim is for all of those Cadets to successfully complete their programme which has seven areas of achievement:
- Citizenship and Volunteering
- Life Skills
- Health and Fitness
- Outdoor Activities
- Purpose of the Police
- Crime Awareness
- Community Safety
The aim is for 90% of cadets to complete at least four units of the curriculum, 80% to complete at least six units and 70% to complete all seven units (with Leadership recognition).
The target is to have at least 50% of the intake of cadets each year come from a vulnerable background.
Decision 60 – 2014. Evaluation of Cleveland Police Cadets (application, 293kB)