Get involved and shape the future!
Get involved and shape the future!
Are you ready to step up, stand out, and make a real difference in your community? The Volunteer Police Cadet programme is your chance to do just that. Open to young people aged 13–17 across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, this is more than just an introduction to policing - it’s an invitation to adventure, growth, and leadership.
As a cadet, you’ll dive into the world of policing through hands-on experiences, exciting team challenges, and eye-opening visits to specialist units like the dog section and firearms.
You'll work alongside police officers at community events, build lifelong friendships, and develop the confidence, skills, and purpose that will stay with you for life. Whether you're dreaming of a career in policing or just want to be part of something bigger, the Cadet programme is where your journey begins.
If you would like to apply to join the scheme in September please apply below.
Closing date for applications will be 31st May 26
Leicestershire Police Cadets: Encouraging the spirit of adventure and good citizenship
Cadets meet for two hours each week, with the exception of most school holiday periods and these are just some of the exciting activities you’ll get involved in during your service as a Leicestershire Police Cadet:
Learning about Policing procedures, Criminal law, Crime prevention and gain new Life skills.
We use the new Pol-Ed program which has been set up inline with the National Volunteer Police Cadet Team.
Attend our Cadets annual camp which is a 3 day camp normally held in August each year (subject to additional costs).
You can also attend additional Cadet events both locally and nationwide as part of the program.
Inspection and Drill. You will be given the opportunity to take part in Remembrance Day parades and other official duties.
We currently have Cadets that represent the High Sheriffs & Lord Lieutenants of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.
Community Action events, we encourage our cadets to give back to the communities and get involved in social action events.
Events include litter picking, knife sweeps, leaflet drops, assisting with events in the community and so much more.
The Police Cadet Scheme is a great way for you to get an insight into the police and be involved in a police-orientated youth group where they can work alongside their local communities. The aims of the scheme are to give young people a taste of the many and varied aspects of policing, to make them aware of the role of the police in society, to develop their character and to promote good citizenship.
Becoming a police cadet will give you a real insight into policing and encourage your spirit of adventure. And, even if you don't go on to join the constabulary (although we hope you will), you’ll definitely become a more confident and socially aware young adult.
We’re looking for people from all walks of life who are ready to make a difference. To apply to become a Police Cadet, you’ll need to meet the following criteria.
Age
You must be aged between 13 and 17 (Academic years 9 to 13 as of the start of Cadets in September) to apply to join the Cadets.
Nationality
All applicants must be a UK citizen, an EU citizen with Settled or Pre-Settled status, a Commonwealth citizen, or a Foreign National with no restrictions on their stay in the UK.
Residency
Have lived in the UK for the past three years, regardless of where you were born.
Education
You don’t need any specific qualifications to apply, but you will need to pass the Cadet Assessment Centre which includes an interview, a group exercise and a drill session.
Skills
Useful qualities we are looking for include good communication and leadership skills, and a desire to commit to the Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) programme.
If you need help at any point, or would like to talk to the Volunteers in Policing (ViP) team, please email us at VIP@leics.police.uk.
Below are some of the most common questions potential Cadets ask us. If you have a question which is not covered below, please do not hesitate to contact the VIP Team via email vip@leics.police.uk.
Cadet units meet once a week in the evening, during school/college term-times. There may be additional involvement in weekend activities and during school holidays.
Cadets aim to volunteer three hours per month in support of local policing.
You are not expected to attend every session, but we hope you will be able to attend most of the sessions throughout the year and notify us if you are unable to do so. At every unit, the sessions are run between 18:00hrs and 20:00hrs in the hope that Cadet Leaders will be free to attend, as a number of leaders are operational officers.
Cadets must register and expression of interest using the link on this website. You will then be sent a link to the application form in May.
Cadets will then be required to attend an assessment centre where they will meet cadet leaders, have an interview, take part in a group activity and drill practice.
Those who are successful will then be allocated a unit and will attend an induction day in September.
All Cadets will sign to agree that they will adhere to the Leicestershire Police Cadets Code of Conduct and will be provided with a copy of this. If cadets fail to uphold the standards expected of them, they may be dismissed.
The Cadets are asked to pay an annual fee of £50.00 (we offer a discounted price of £40.00 for siblings of existing Leicestershire Police Cadets) which is put towards the running of the Cadets and to help cover towards the costs of uniform, events, room hire, etc.
If you need assistance with this, you can speak with the VIP Team via email vip@leics.police.uk.
All Cadets will be provided with a uniform, which they are responsible for keeping clean and tidy. Cadets are required to provide their own footwear; footwear can be black boots or shoes which can be polished up to a good shine.
The Cadet uniform will need to be worn to every Cadet session unless you are advised otherwise by your Cadet Leaders. The cost of the uniform is included in the annual fee.
The following criteria may prevent you from applying, so please be open and honest throughout the recruitment process. Be sure to check all criteria before applying!
Membership of some organisations
If you have been or are a member of a group or extreme political organisation such as BNP, National Front or Combat 18 that stirs up racial hatred and violence, a proscribed terrorist organisation, group or a similar organisation.
Existing or pending convictions
Are awaiting to appear in court or have any serious convictions or recent cautions, bind-overs or findings of guilt
Offensive tattoos
If you have tattoos on your face, neck or hands which could cause offence. However the nature, location, size, prominence and appearance of tattoos will be considered.
We currently have police cadet units in 4 locations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. When applying, you’ll be asked to choose your preferred location, and we’ll do our best to place you in a unit near your school or home. While we can’t always guarantee your first choice, we’ll try to make it work as best we can.
Central Leicester
Orchard Mead Academy
Tuesdays 18:00-20.00
Kibworth
Kibworth Mead
Mondays 18:00 - 20:00
North Leicester
Woodbrook Vale School
Mondays 18:30-20:30
Hinckley
Hinckley College
Wednesdays 18:00-20:00
Sorry, we currently have no vacancies in this area. Why not take a look at all our current vacancies or register for our job alerts by email service? Simply use the links below.
If you, or anyone you know, has concerns about the safety of anyone involved in the Volunteer Police Cadets, please report these to Leicestershire Police via their main website ( Home | Leicestershire Police ), via Facebook or ring 101. Alternatively you can contact our National Safeguarding Manager at vpc.safeguarding@vpc.police.uk.
If someone is at an immediate risk of harm then always call 999.
Other points of contact are:-
The NSPCC helpline 0800 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
The Independent Office for Police Conduct 0300 020 0096 or cadets@policeconduct.gov.uk
