Police launch teen cadet project

Young people will join the cadets for two years

Teenagers are being given the opportunity to tread the thin blue line as a police cadet.

The two-year project for 16-year-olds is being run by Dyfed-Powys Police to provide young people with an insight into life in the force.

But cadets will not be expected to carry out frontline duties.

Police said a two-year pilot project would start in Newtown, Powys, in September, and applications for places must be in by 27 July.

It is the first time Dyfed-Powys Police have run such as scheme, although a similar initiative ran for a number of years until the early 1970s.

Cadets will be expected to give up one evening a week as part of the project, and police said they would develop a variety of valuable skills.

'Life-skills'

Ch Insp Chris Curtis, who is based in Powys, was a cadet with Dorset police when he was younger.

He said: "Enthusiasm is essential, as is the willingness to commit to one evening per week as part of the programme.

"You will also be encouraged to volunteer for additional activities as and when required, which may include crime prevention initiatives, police training events, community projects or specific festivals such as the Royal Welsh Show.

"Having been a cadet myself with Dorset police, I can fully endorse the cadet scheme.

"It is an excellent opportunity to gain important life-skills and knowledge about the police, and the crucial service we provide to the members of our diverse communities in Powys."