Volunteer Police Cadets
Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) is a national youth programme linked to policing, open to young people aged 13 to 18.
The programme helps young people build confidence, learn new skills, support their communities and develop positive relationships with the police.
We welcome young people from all backgrounds and abilities, including those who may face additional challenges. We will provide support wherever possible to help them take part.
Cadets also have the opportunity to share their views and help shape how we engage with young people and local communities.
With eight Cadet Units across Essex, there are opportunities for young people to get involved throughout the county. Each unit meets once a week in the evening.
Our Cadet Units are based in:
- Basildon (Thursdays)
- Clacton (Thursdays)
- Colchester (Tuesdays)
- Epping (Tuesdays)
- Harlow (Wednesdays)
- Harwich (Mondays)
- Southend (Wednesdays)
- Thurrock (Mondays)
Become a cadet
If you're a young person interested in joining one of our cadet units, or a parent or carer looking for opportunities for a young person, you can register your interest with us.
When places become available, we'll invite you to an enrolment event where you can meet the cadet leaders, learn more about the programme, and chat with current cadets.
Before joining, we'll carry out some basic identity and police checks. Having been in trouble with the police in the past does not automatically prevent a young person from becoming a cadet. We look at each application individually.
Activities, education and qualifications
Cadets take part in a wide range of activities, giving them the chance to learn new skills, try new experiences and gain an insight into policing.
Activities can include first aid training, team-building events, summer camps and demonstrations from specialist police teams, including dog handlers, firearms officers and roads policing officers.
Cadets also have opportunities to learn more about the work of other emergency services, including Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the National Police Air Service (NPAS).
Supporting local communities is an important part of being a Police Cadet. Cadets take part in a variety of community projects and events, helping to make a positive difference in the areas where they live.
This can include supporting local events, carrying out speed checks, sharing crime prevention advice, environmental projects and fundraising for community causes.
Through these activities, Cadets develop confidence, teamwork and leadership skills, while making a valuable contribution to their communities.
Each Cadet Unit has a leadership structure that gives Cadets the chance to take on extra responsibility and develop their leadership skills.
Leadership roles include:
- Head Cadet
- Deputy Head Cadet
- Team Leader
- Deputy Team Leader
- Cadet
Cadets can apply for leadership roles within their unit. Those selected help support activities and events, mentor other Cadets, and lead ceremonial parades and drill training.
This experience helps young people build confidence, teamwork and leadership skills in a supportive environment.
Through the Cadet programme, young people have the opportunity to work towards recognised vocational qualifications that support their personal development and future aspirations.
These qualifications are delivered through the Cadet Vocational College, an education charity that provides accredited awards for members of youth organisations and their adult volunteers.
This gives Cadets the chance to gain valuable qualifications while making a positive contribution to their communities.
Essex Police Cadets is proud to be a licensed provider of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE).
Cadets can work towards their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, developing new skills, improving their fitness, supporting their communities and completing outdoor expeditions.
Taking part in the DofE programme helps young people build confidence, gain valuable experience and challenge themselves while making a positive difference to others.
Membership costs £10 per month per cadet. This helps cover equipment, activities and trips organised by the unit.
Some larger trips and events may have an additional cost, although these are often partly funded by the unit.
Cadets are provided with a uniform, but will need their own pair of black boots.
We also offer a bursary scheme for families who may need financial support. We want our cadet programme to be accessible to everyone and don't want cost to be a barrier to taking part.
All cadets are provided with a uniform when they join. We have two uniforms, known as Uniform 1 and Uniform 2, which are worn for different activities.
Uniform 1
This is our formal uniform and is worn for ceremonies, official events and other formal occasions. It includes a shirt, trousers, jacket, belt, beret and cadet insignia.
Uniform 2
This is worn for weekly meetings and most cadet activities. It includes a polo shirt, hoodie and baseball cap. High-visibility jackets are also provided when needed.
Cadets are asked to provide their own black boots to wear with their uniform.
