Avon and Somerset Police have launched a police cadet scheme in the local area following the success of cadet schemes in other parts of the country.
A total of 13 young women and 13 young men who either live or attend school in the B&NES area have been officially enrolled as Avon and Somerset Volunteer Police Cadets.
On 27th August the cadets, who are aged between 14 and 17, met for the first time at the Guildhall in Bath and were welcomed to the police service by Chief Supt Geoff Spicer and Insp Shirley Eden.
Members of the police’s dog section and armed unit also attended the launch event to show the cadets some of the different roles police officers do.
The current cadet scheme was piloted in South Gloucestershire in 2011 following a 27-year gap since the last cadet scheme was run. Since 2011, two additional units have been set up in North Somerset and West Somerset.
The scheme aims to give police another way of engaging with young people while giving the teenagers a chance to make a difference in their community.
Chief Supt Geoff Spicer said: “By volunteering as a cadet, these young people will have the opportunity to acquire a whole range of useful life skills to help them in becoming independent and fulfilled members of our community.
“Teenagers are seen by some people in quite a negative light but, as officers across the policing area will tell you, we regularly meet young people who do exceptional things and I am sure the new recruits will be no different to this.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Young people make a valuable contribution to their communities across the force area and the new cadet scheme in BaNES will be another opportunity for our younger citizens to show what they can do.
“The three schemes that are already up and running are proving to be very successful and it was great to see the North Somerset cadets in action at the recent Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.”
The cadets will hold meetings during term time at Bath Community Academy. They will carry out a range of activities under supervision including accompanying regular police officers and PCSOs on routine patrols and at events.
They will also take part in organised trips and events, including drill and outdoor activities, as well visiting a number of the specialist police units, including the helicopter and firearms units and the mounted section.
Avon and Somerset Police Cadets are grateful for the support of Bath Community Academy, Somerset Crimebeat, the Police Community Trust Fund and for uniform discounts from Dickies Workwear and Kings of Farrington Gurney.
The new recruits come from across the B&NES area, including Bath, Midsomer Norton, Keynsham, Clutton, Peasedown St John, Saltford, Paulton, Whitchurch, Oldland Common, Chew Magna and Corsham.