Frequently asked questions

Questions

1. How much does it cost?
2. How often do I have to attend?
3. Do I have to leave when I am 18?
4. I am 18, am I too old to join?
5. How often and where do they meet?
6. Is it only for people that want a career with the police?
7. What about uniform?
8. I have been in trouble with the police before, am I still eligible to join?
9. There is no scheme where I live but I would like to join, what can I do?

Answers

How much does it cost?

There is usually no charge to cadets for participating in the scheme, although some groups ask for subs and some ask for small donations.

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How often do I have to attend?

Cadets meet fortnightly  and it is expected that you will attend all sessions. Education will always come first. You will also be asked to attend activities and events outside of the regular meetings and attendance is highly recommended.

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Do I have to leave when I am 18?

Cadets at 18 years old must leave but can become a police volunteer with the unit, however it is recommended that they leave their own unit for three months to show a break between being a cadet and becoming staff.

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I am 18, am I too old to join?

Yes, but there may be an opportunity for you to become a police volunteer with the unit. Please contact your local cadet scheme leader for more information, or visit the 'police volunteer' pages on our website.

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How often and where do they meet?

This varies in different areas, please contact the local cadet scheme leader to find out for your local area.

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Is it only for people that want a career with the police?

Our scheme is open to all young people regardless of their career ambitions or capabilities.

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What about uniform?

We will provide uniforms for cadets without initial charge to each cadet.  Shoes will not be provided but cadets are expected to provide shoes or boots that can be polished and are suitable for cadet activities. Trainers and slip on shoes are not suitable.   Any uniform that is deliberately damaged, lost or not returned when required will be paid for by the cadet or parent. The uniform will be returned at the end of the cadets’ service any intentional failure to return uniform will be considered as theft from the constabulary and will be dealt with accordingly.

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I have been in trouble with the police before, am I still eligible to join?

Any young person will be considered. Previous offending will not necessarily be a reason to exclude a young person, but it may mean you will need to be spoken to prior to joining to determine your commitment not to reoffend.

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There is no scheme where I live but I would like to join, what can I do?

Contact your neighbourhood policing team, and get a group of young people together to show that there is support for cadets. If you can get an adult who is prepared to become a volunteer this may help. Neighbourhood teams are not obliged to provide a cadet group. 

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