What Are the Benefits of Joining the Police Cadet Program?

Police cadet programs typically follow two different schemes in the United Kingdom: a volunteer program or a full-time program. The volunteer program lets young adults ages 14 to 18 volunteer as police cadets in order to gain insight into what it is like to be a police officer. The full-time program allows someone at least 16 years of age to join the police force, although with substantially limited duties and privileges.

Activities and Benefits

Although the cadet schemes are locally run and differ from precinct to precinct, many police cadets get to participate in activities that young adults who aren't cadets don't get to do. The Sussex volunteer police cadets, for example, enjoy a sports day and participate in the Remembrance Day parade. Other activities encompass physical and mental training, such as obstacle courses, weight and cardio exercises, and team-building. The cadets also occasionally travel outside of the U.K.

Preparation for Policing

If you want to be in law enforcement, joining the police cadets improves your chances of being accepted into the force. If you complete training as a full-time cadet, you are automatically considered and will likely be approved as a police officer. This result makes sense, since cadets are trained in many aspects of law enforcement and even participate alongside police officers in some training regimens.

Life-changing Experience

Joining the police cadets may provide you with a challenge that changes your life. The Metropolitan Police Cadet information page says that the cadet program gives a "chance to show what you're made of and earn the respect of those around you." Volunteers have commented on how much they have learned, the boost to their confidence and the friends they have made. The intangible benefits to your psyche may be just as important, if not more so, than the listing on your resume.

References

• Metropolitan Police: Volunteer Police Cadets
• Sussex Police: Volunteer Police Cadets
• Police Information: Police Recruitment