Camping cadets

Team building, hiking and raft building were all on the agenda for Hertsmere’s Police Cadets when they attended their first organised camp.

Hertsmere Volunteer Police Cadets at camp in the Peak District

The group of 20 cadets, aged between 13 and 18 years old, attended a six-day camp in the Peak District organised by Hertsmere Volunteer Police Cadets Committee.

Cllr John Donne, President of the Cadets and Hertsmere Borough Council's portfolio holder for community safety, said: "This is such a worthwhile scheme. The camp itself was a great success and I was delighted to learn that so many of the young people I met recently at the passing-out parade were able to attend and benefit."

PC Ross Paybody, from Hertfordshire Police, said: "The cadet scheme in Hertsmere has gone down very well and we already have a waiting list of young people who want to join. We are able to teach the cadets new skills which they will have for life and we hope the camp will have left a lasting impression on them."

During the camp the cadets took part in a number of team and relationship-building exercises including an eight-mile bike ride, go-karting and a series of role plays to give them an insight into the types of situations the police have to deal with on a daily basis.

Each of the police cadets are from different backgrounds, but all have an interest in building their confidence and learning about how the police operate.

Funding for the group is provided by Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertsmere Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Councillors and the Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership (CSP).

There is currently a waiting list to join Hertsmere’s Police Cadets, but if you would like to find out more information about joining the group email: hvpc@herts.pnn.police.uk