Matthew EllisProfileA POLICE cadet scheme will be rolled out in Burton if trials prove successful, the town’s Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) has said.
The scheme aims to strengthen links between the police and young people while promoting good citizenship skills.
Matthew Ellis, PCC for Staffordshire, said he hoped the scheme would be rolled out in Burton by the end of the year.
He said: “The scheme is all about encouraging young people to develop new skills and self-confidence in the service of communities.
“It isn’t about recruiting police officers – it’s about developing young people and making a positive difference to communities.”
The scheme will be funded by business sponsorship and not from the police budget.
An initial intake of 30 cadets will trial the scheme in Stafford. If successful, a further 190 will be recruited across the county.
Mr Ellis said the scheme will be based on the Duke Of Edinburgh scheme.
He said: “It is based on good citizenship, good leadership skills and how police go about their business.
“There will be great efforts to get a good mix of cadets – I want this to become part of the fabric of Staffordshire.
“It’s about helping youngsters understand what the police do and why they do it.”
For more information go to www.facebook.com/StaffsCadets
