Cadets mark Essex Police's 175th birthday with passing out parade

Fourteen young Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) became the pride of Essex on Saturday 19 September, during a ceremony to mark the completion of their training. Coinciding with Essex Police’s 175th birthday celebrations at Chelmsford Headquarters, the first cohort of the Chelmsford and Maldon Cadets were presented by their Cadet Leaders to Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh for inspection. The youngsters, all aged between 13 to 18 years old, marched in front of a crowd of family and friends, as well as guests including Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Vincent Thompson, the High Sheriff of Essex, , and the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Paul Hutchinson. Nick Alston said: “I was delighted to present certificates to Essex’s first ever Volunteer Police cadets at their passing out ceremony on Saturday, and formally welcome them into the policing family. Engaging with young people is critical if we are to safeguard future generations in the county. The Volunteer Police Cadet programme is one of the best examples of how the police service, and community safety partners can do this, working with young people - often those who have faced a wide range of challenges - to help them grow into confident, active citizens who are willing to commit to their local community. “I, along with the Chief Constable, have been active in supporting the creation of a VPC programme in Essex, and it was hugely rewarding to see months of hard work and dedication by Essex Police staff, volunteers and partners come to fruition. I look forward to continuing to support the programme and watching it flourish, which I’m sure it will.” Mr Alston presented each cadet with a certificate to commemorate their achievements. The ceremony follows an intensive 12-week induction programme which covered a wide variety of policing related subjects, as well as representing Essex Police at events and community initiatives. The volunteer police cadet scheme began in April this year, six years after the force’s previous cadet scheme ended.