Volunteer Police Cadets
The Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) is the nationally recognised police uniformed youth group. It is open to all young people aged 13 to 18.
We are not looking to recruit future police officers, but instead are looking to give all young people a chance to be heard, support their community and develop skills for now and the future.
"Leading this incredible team of dedicated young people, is a real privilege. Our cadets play a vital role in supporting local communities and helping tackle neighbourhood priorities. If you’re aged 13–18 and want to build confidence, learn new skills, and make a genuine difference, we’d love to welcome you to the team." Julie Mead, Citizens in Policing Manager
The meetings follow a set curriculum where you will take part in activities, as well as supporting and representing the police at community events.
We currently have five cadet units in Northamptonshire that meet on a weekly basis between 6pm and 9pm – Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Towcester, and Corby (only for pupils of Kingswood Secondary Academy, please apply with them directly).
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Why should I join?
As a cadet you will:
- Learn transferable skills for now, and the future.
- Broaden your knowledge of policing and open up opportunities for a future career in public service.
- Make positive contributions towards your community.
- Have fun, meet new people and develop new friendships.
The Volunteer Police Cadets meet once a week with their chosen unit. To be a part of the cadets, there is a monthly subscription of £10 with an upfront cost of £50 for your uniform.
In the weekly sessions, you will have the opportunity to learn many of the skills used by police officers, and will undertake social action activities within your community.
It is both rewarding and challenging being a part of the cadets and will enable you the chance to:
- Gain an insight into the history and structure of the police
- Learn self-discipline and the importance of teamwork
- Undertake challenges and learn how to problem solve
- Participate in community events with a wide range of partner agencies
If you’re over 18 and interested in the police, why not consider a role as a Cadet Leader?
Each of our units is run by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic Cadet Leaders who volunteer their own time to help run the group. The units meet for one evening a week throughout the academic year at designated locations and follow the Volunteer Police Cadet programme.
How long are the sessions?
The Volunteer Police Cadet evenings last for approximately three hours a week. You don’t have to commit to volunteering every week, however a strong commitment to the role is required.
You will also be expected to volunteer a minimum of three additional hours per month in support of operations and social actions events with the cadets.
What skills are we looking for?
Anyone can apply to be a Cadet Leader, you do not need to be a part of the police to apply. We are looking for those with:
- Good communication skills
- Confidence, commitment, flexibility, and enthusiasm
- The ability to work well with young people and as part of a team
All our Cadet Leaders take part in an induction to help them understand their role and how the force and services work, along with training on how to use specialist databases and IT systems.
If you’re interested in becoming a Cadet Leader, please email [email protected]
Applications for the Volunteer Police Cadets open each spring, with successful applicants joining their units the following September. Applicants can be 12 when they apply, but must be aged 13 and no older than 18 as of August 31 in the year they join the scheme. The scheme concludes when a young person turns 18 on or before August 31 that year.
Applications are now open until Sunday, April 5, 2026
If you have any questions about joining the cadets, please email [email protected]