Northern Constabulary launches a new cadet scheme

NORTHERN Constabulary is set to re-launch its popular cadet scheme, with spaces for ten youngsters from across the Highlands and Islands.

The popular scheme is once again being made available to all school leavers who are between 16 and 17 and a half years of age.

The range is set between the above ages as the programme takes a minimum of six months to complete.

Chief Constable Ian Latimer said: “I am delighted to announce that the Force is once again making this excellent opportunity available to a number of young people in the Highlands and Islands.

“There are some real financial pressures on us but it is important to invest in the long term future of Policing in the Highlands and Islands.”

A number of experienced officers began their careers as cadets, including the current Deputy Chief Constable Garry Sutherland.

He said: “I began my own career as a cadet and I can recommend the experience to young people who have an interest in a future career with the police and want to learn more.

“The Cadet scheme gives recruits the best possible start to their careers and places them in a strong position to successfully take part in the selection process to eventually become a Police Constable.”

Cadets will undertake a number of placements within the Force Operations Centre and with specialist Police Support Units such as Crime Management and Community Safety.

Recruits will also be subject to regular assessment, on courses and whilst on placements during the term of their cadetship. Their cadetship is salaried.

It is desirable for applicants to be fit and in good general health. Police forces no longer apply a minimum height requirement. Although there is no requirement to be the holder of a full Driving Licence before joining the cadets, applicants will be required to pass their driving test during it.

One cadet currently working on the streets of Inverness and aiming for a long and successful career in the service is 17-year-old Adam McBean.

The former Fortrose Academy student says he was inspired to join the Police by his Dad, who is currently serving with the Metropolitan Police and he reckons the cadet scheme gives those interested in a Policing career, the perfect start.

He said: “The cadet scheme has provided me with an excellent grounding for my career. It helps build your confidence and awareness of the different situations you will come across in the job.

“I would say that I have also matured more quickly thanks to the cadet scheme and I don’t feel like a school kid anymore.”

He added: “I have always wanted to be a Police officer and I would recommend the cadet scheme to anyone else considering a career with the Police.

“The cadet scheme is a lot more exciting than I had initially expected. I thought we would be in the office more than we are, but instead we are out there on the streets helping people.

“I also love being part of a team and the fact that I have made so many new friends and colleagues.”

All applicants will also be required to sit the Police Standard Entrance Test, details of which can be found on our website at www.northern.police.uk

Anyone interested in the scheme can also check out the promotional video running on the Police cadet section of the Northern Constabulary website.

For further information about the cadet scheme please contact Jennifer Brown at Force HQ, Inverness on 01463 7203320.