Dear Parents/Carers,
Please find enclosed information about joining the Greenwich Police cadets.
If you wish to apply for your child you can do so at the Police Cadets website here: Apply online
The aim of the Volunteer Police Cadets Unit is:
- to promote a practical understanding of policing amongst all young people;
- to encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship;
- to support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard; and
- to inspire young people to participate positively in their communities.
The Metropolitan Police Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) is open to young people aged 10 to 18 years (Juniors age 10-13 – Years 6-8 and Seniors age 13-18 – Year 9 onwards). Cadets are drawn from all parts of society and backgrounds, and we run an initial induction course to experience cadets to see if it suits your child, and for us to find out if they will make a good cadet. There are over 5000 Volunteer Cadets in the MPS and over 300 Cadet Staff. The staff, who mostly supervise the Cadets in addition to their normal role, comprise police officers, police staff, special constables and volunteers. All staff are vetted for safeguarding purposes.
Greenwich VPC units meet once a week on a chosen evening. The uniformed programme provides young people with opportunities to develop and learn whilst gaining qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (which all senior cadets are encouraged to do), first aid and senior leadership. Key aspects of what is delivered are developing self-confidence, personal responsibility and safety, alongside team building activities, sport and policing skills with an insight into criminal law. Cadets can involve themselves in other activities at weekends and in school holidays. All Cadets are expected to volunteer for at least 3 hours per month for ‘working type’ events such as crime prevention stalls at carnivals and fetes, and leaflet drops. In addition VPC units assist with non-confrontational policing at Pan London events such as the London Marathon, Trooping the Colour and Notting Hill Carnival as well as helping at joint Emergency Services Training Exercises. Cadets are invited to camps and training weekends, and can take part in a number of Cadet competitions that are held throughout the year, which test the skills developed within the VPC units. There is currently an excellent VPC to PC recruitment mentoring scheme, for those who have been a VPC for at least a year and want to become officers.
All events that the cadets take part in are assessed as suitable for their participation by the Cadet Unit staff and parental permission forms are always required for each separate activity or event.
In Greenwich Borough there are currently 3 Junior and 2 Senior Cadet units.
Unit Venues
Plumstead Manor: Mondays @ 4.45-6pm for Juniors and 6.30-8.30pm for Seniors
Halley Academy : Tuesdays @ 4.45-6pm for Juniors
St Pauls Academy: Thursdays @ 5-6.15pm for Juniors and 6.30-8.30pm for Seniors
Membership Fees
Senior Cadets: £25 per academic term
Junior Cadets: £1 per week to attend a meeting
NB: Lack of money should not prevent your child from joining, if this is an issue please speak to us.
If your child is looking for a fun and exciting extra-curricular activity and may be interested in joining the Police Cadets please email Greenwich.Cadets@met.police.uk for further information. Your Coordinator is PC Wendy Lillie. If you have any questions please call her on 07901 514247.
The Police Cadets look forward to meeting you!
Kind Regards,
Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy
