Cadet recruitment process

Becoming a volunteer police cadet is an exciting opportunity where you can build confidence, develop your skills, and make new friends whilst learning about policing and getting involved with your local community.

Due to limited places on our cadet programme we run a recruitment process as detailed below.

Stage 1: Application

Application forms are only available during recruitment campaigns for cadets and can be downloaded from this website when a campaign is open (cadet recruitment is held once a year in the spring).

If you wish to apply you should:

• Check that you are eligible to apply before completing the application form.  
• Include reasons why you want to be a cadet, your qualities, and what you hope to gain from the cadet programme in your application.
• Complete the equal opportunity form as part of the application. This information is not used during the paper sift process but ensures we can make any necessary adjustments or considerations while you are in our care throughout your time as a volunteer police cadet.
• Return your application electronically to us via email to [email protected]

Due to the limited number of cadet places and a high number of applications, we may need to operate a paper sift process. Therefore, not all applications will progress to Stage 2. You will be informed as to whether or not your application has been successful at stage 1 once recruitment closes.

Stage 2: Selection Night

If you are successful at the application stage, you will be invited to attend a local selection night at the cadet corps you have applied for. This is to allow you to meet the cadet leaders and existing cadets, see how cadet sessions work, and to ensure you wish to continue with the process.

If there is high demand for places, team-based activities or short interviews will be used to support a selection process.

Please note, alternative selection night dates cannot be offered.

Stage 3: Confirmation

You will be notified of the outcome within 2 weeks of attending a selection night.

Further information will be requested from parents/carers/guardians and these will need to be completed before you can start. Further information will be shared through parent information evenings and email communication.

Once all information is confirmed, start dates and guidance will be provided.