Police Cadet units across Dorset are looking to recruit volunteers to help run the scheme.

Dorset Police has two thriving volunteer police cadet units in the county, based in Bournemouth and Weymouth. The units provide an opportunity for teenagers aged 13 to 17 to learn about the law, police procedures and specialist police units while developing a range of skills – including communication, interpersonal and teamwork.

Volunteers, particularly in Poole, Christchurch and rural areas, are being asked to come forward so that the scheme can be expanded into those areas.

No previous policing experience is required, only an interest in helping young people achieve their best and reach their full potential. The role includes running weekly meetings, supporting outdoor activities and policing events.

Director of People and Support Services at Dorset Police, Assistant Chief Officer Jo Mosley, said: “Volunteering as a cadet leader can be an inspiring and enriching experience. Our cadet leaders not only assist with meeting our force vision and local policing priorities, but they are instrumental in helping to develop, encourage and empower the young people of Dorset to have a voice and achieve things that they never believed possible.

“It only takes one adult to change one young person’s life forever and this is why we are recruiting more people to join our cadet leader team. I would strongly encourage anyone who has an interest in giving something back to the community to visit our force website to find out more.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I have been fortunate enough to visit both Bournemouth and Weymouth cadet units and I have seen for myself the positive effects being a police cadet can have. The teenagers I have met were fulfilling useful roles in their communities and developing some essential life skills at the same time – learning how to communicate effectively, how to work together as a team and how to think and act to the benefit of the wider community – all these skills will stand them in good stead for whatever they choose to go on and do.

“I would like to see this expansion continue, to give more young people and communities across Dorset the opportunity to benefit from the scheme, but for this to happen we need members of the community to volunteer to be cadet leaders. So if you are looking for a valued, positive, rewarding volunteer role within your community, please take a look at becoming a cadet leader.

“It is absolutely life enhancing, not just for the cadets but for the leaders too. If you think you can make a difference please get in touch.”

To find out more, or to apply, visit https://recruitment-dcp-dp.org/dorset-police-volunteers/cadet-leaders/.

If you would like to have a chat with a member of the team, email Cadets@dorset.pnn.police.uk.