Dorset Police has launched a recruitment drive for volunteer Police Cadet Leaders to join the Force and help to make an instrumental difference in young people’s lives in the county.
The Force has five Cadet units in Blandford Forum, Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Weymouth. Each cadet unit offers a unique and exciting opportunity for teenagers aged 13 to 17 to learn about the law, police procedures, and specialist police units. They also develop various skills, including communication, interpersonal, and teamwork, which will be invaluable for their future.
A team of volunteers is needed to help run the scheme and provide an environment for young people to serve their community through volunteering and act as ambassadors for the Force.
We seek new cadet leaders for all cadet units. We especially want to hear from those interested in joining our Bournemouth, Broadstone (Poole) and Weymouth cadet units.
Leaders do not need previous police experience but must be interested in helping young people achieve their best and reach their full potential. The role includes running weekly meetings, supporting outdoor activities, and policing events.
Assistant Chief Officer Jo Mosley, Director of People and Support Services at Dorset Police, emphasised the unique benefits of volunteering as a cadet leader. She said: “Being a cadet leader is not just about meeting our Force vision and local policing priorities. It’s about being instrumental in the development, encouragement, and empowerment of the young people of Dorset. It’s about giving them a voice and helping them achieve things they never believed possible. It’s about making a lasting difference in their lives and our community.”
“It only takes one adult to change one young person’s life forever, and this is why we are recruiting more people to join our cadet leader team. I encourage anyone interested in giving something back to the community to visit our Force website to learn more.”
Cadet Leader Suzanne Millwood joined Dorset police as a cadet leader in 2019 when cadets in Dorset started in its current format. Suzanne said: ”I was a cadet as a teenager and felt it helped me grow as a young person.
“Over the years, I have met many cadet leaders from different walks of life. I have watched young people start as shy 13-year-olds and leave us as confident young adults. For me, being able to guide, in any small way, a young person, especially those that have not had or have an easy ride in life, is the biggest reward for this voluntary position.”
You can apply to become a Dorset Police Cadet Leader by visiting: Volunteer Cadet Leader
If you would like to chat with a member of the team, please email Cadets@dorset.pnn.police.uk
Cadet leader Suzanne Millwood