Mission Statement - GMP Volunteer Police Cadets

The Greater Manchester Police VPC scheme involves young people between the ages of 13-17 and offers learning in relation to policing and crime. The young people also take part in various police related activities, such as crime prevention projects and community events.

The Cadet Scheme provides a diversionary activity for young people, increases their knowledge of policing, and breaks down any actual or perceived barriers between young people and the police.

At least 25% of our Cadets come from backgrounds vulnerable to crime and/or social exclusion and the scheme prides itself in being inclusive of those with diverse needs.

We also welcome young people who may have previously been in trouble with the police or may feel some disconnection with their peers and community.

The scheme comprises of several cadet units, each unit involving around 30 young people and being led by a mix of Police Officers/Police Staff, Special Constables, and Police Support Volunteers.

As part of our policing family, our cadets are required to always observe the highest standards of behaviour in line with the Cadet Code of Conduct and the Police Code of Ethics.

All our cadet units have a local school or college as their base, making it a very accessible place for young people to attend. There is a great mix of like-minded young people reflecting the diversity of their local community participating in:

• Developing their life skills
• Meeting new friends
• Social events
• Learning about British policing
• Sporting activities
• Force-wide, UK-wide, and even international opportunities

GMP also fully funds and offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme for both cadets and leaders.

The scheme does not solely focus on recruiting future police officers but aims to provide all young people a chance to be heard, support their community, and develop skills to become fantastic citizens in a fun, friendly and exciting way.

It is a unique experience for young people and offers the opportunity to become part of the policing family for many years.

The benefits of becoming a cadet include:

• Forge lasting friendships.
• Take part in fun and exciting activities.
• Support for the local community through volunteering and social action projects
• Challenge yourself to learn and develop new skills!
• Gain an insight into British policing!

The scheme is fully aligned to the National VPC “Safe to Operate Standards” as agreed by the National Police Chiefs' Council. Protecting children and young people in our care is our biggest priority.

In addition, we work alongside the National Safeguarding Manager who is responsible for maintaining contact with police forces about this critical responsibility, including the standards and codes of conduct expected at a national level.

The public expect and deserve to have trust and confidence in the police and everything we do is aimed at providing the safest environment and highest level of safeguarding standards for our young people.

Our aim is to reach out to as many as we can, offer them valuable life skills and support them into materialising their potential in becoming outstanding citizens.