86 youngsters across Cumbria have attested their commitment to serve the communities they live in.
Attestation events have taken place across the county this week as part of the Volunteer Police Cadet scheme which is the nationally recognised police uniformed youth group throughout the UK.
Over a 10 week period young people, aged 13-17, that signed up to be the Constabulary’s first cadets have undertaken an initial programme of work where they have been educated on the law, specialist police departments as well as taking part in neighbourhood policing initiatives. They have also acquired valuable skills such as first aid training, including CPR and life-saving skills.
The culmination of the initial programme resulted in attestation events in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith and Workington.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson said: “This has been a fantastic experience for the cadets. They have all been so enthusiastic about the scheme and I look forward to seeing how they progress now that they have taken their oath.
“The scheme is designed to develop young people by building closer links with their communities. It is also a fantastic opportunity for them to gain an insight into policing and may encourage them to see serving the community as a future aspiration.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Carlisle College, Furness College, Kendal College and Lakes College for their support over the past few initial months. We look forward to working together with them alongside current and future cadets.”
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “I am delighted to see how well the Cadets have developed through their training, and it is fantastic to see them take their oath. I believe that the Cadet scheme is a great way to give young people an opportunity to build confidence and a sense of civic duty, no matter what their backgrounds. They have also been able to learn valuable life skills such as leadership and an understanding of what it is to be a good citizen. I’m really looking forward to seeing them carry out their work within in our communities in Cumbria.”
The scheme will continue to see the cadets develop further and learn more about the criminal justice system as well as an introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.