‘Role model’ cadets help forge closer relationship between police and public

A pilot scheme designed to tackle crime and encourage community cohesion has received widespread praise as it celebrates its first anniversary.

Launched last summer, the Thames Valley Police ‘Slough Volunteer Police Cadets’ scheme was set-up to provide young people with an opportunity to develop skills, as well as forging more effective links between police and the public.

The scheme has encouraged a number of crime-prevention initiatives, including: message/leaflet delivery, test purchase operations, youth crime diversion, partnership public safety campaigns and non-confrontational local events under supervision.

Aimed at young people in Slough aged between 13 and 19, the scheme has been managed by SWIPE, a local charity organisation, in liaison with Thames Valley Police and has made tremendous strides in enhancing the relationship between the public and police.

Chief Inspector Jim Reeves, deputy local commander for Slough, said: “I would like to use this opportunity to thank SWIPE and the volunteer police cadets for all their hard work over the past 12 months. Not only has the scheme helped to build confidence and self esteem for those young people involved, but it has also provided a visible presence in the community, forging closer relationships with the communities of Slough.

“The cadets have helped us to develop confidence across the borough, while developing a cadre of pro-active social citizens who are proud to be part of the Thames Valley Police family. They are positive role models for other young people.

“As with all pilot schemes, we are now in the process of conducting an official review to identify strengths as well as any possible learning.”

As dedicated volunteers, the team of 32 cadets worked alongside police officers and staff, other volunteers and partner agencies to support neighbourhood policing initiatives and community activities and events. While they are not eligible for independent patrols and do not have any legal powers, they have completed a number of neighbourhood policing initiatives and community activities, including:

•a sponsored London night walk;

•a fun day in Manor Park, Slough;

•junior world rowing championships at Dorney Lake in August last year;

•crime-prevention input to an over-60s club;

•Chalvey Community Centre opening day;

•speed camera and vulnerable vehicle checks;

•McMillan Charity fund raising day in Farnham Common;

•working with Slough Trading Standards on a test purchasing operation;

•Slough’s Remembrance Day;

•rowing on the Jubilee river last October;

•assisting 02 Slough during a Christmas function;

•assisting in the ‘Keeping Slough Safe’ forum on January 9 this year;

•Sports Relief race on March 25, 2012; and

•Slough’s Mencap 60th anniversary event on April 28.

Most recently, the cadets have been involved in assisting with letter drops locally detailing community information about the Olympic torch route.

All cadet activities are risk-assessed to comply with health and safety and child protection policies and procedures. Slough’s cadets and their leaders, together with other staff involved in the scheme, have also been meeting every Thursday to provide input on police-related topics and listen to guest speakers.

Lee Elton, who helped set-up and manages the cadets, said: “For 15 years, I was involved in running a volunteer police cadet unit in Ealing, Brent and Westminster and I also worked at Territorial Policing HQ in the section that oversees the cadets for the whole of London.

“Following my retirement, I became involved at SWIPE and after discussions with [SWIPE colleague] Jamie Green and Slough police we agreed to start a unit locally. This has become both a rewarding and challenging enterprise as the schemes were already set-up in some Metropolitan Police Service areas, whereas we have had to construct the unit from scratch in Sloug