Apply for the Police Cadet Scheme
Interested in a possible career within policing? Apply to join our Volunteer Police Cadets and get an insight into your career options.
Bedfordshire Police Volunteer Police Cadets follow a national programme for young people aged 15 – 18 helping them to gain life skills and an insight into policing.
We are now recruiting for the next 3-year programme starting in September 2025.
We are only accepting applications from young people who:
- MUST be aged 15 years by the 1 of September 2025
- ARE no older than age 17 years by 1 September 2025
We cannot accept applications for people who do not meet these criteria.
The three-year programme is intended to take you through a consolidated learning and activity process with the opportunity to commence a BTEC qualification at age 16.
Training sessions are held on alternative weeks fortnightly in Kempston and Dunstable on a Tuesday evening from 7pm to 9.30pm.
Bedfordshire Police Volunteer Police Cadets aims to promote a practical understanding of policing to young people, to support local policing through volunteering and to assist in community and crime prevention events.
Being a Cadet is also a great way to inspire young people to participate positively in their communities.
Volunteer Police Cadets take part in a variety of duties which include alcohol test purchasing, crime prevention, supporting other police departments at community events, marshalling and official ceremonies.
Volunteer Police Cadets also have the opportunity to hear from officers and staff from different services from across the force and to visit various different departments.
The programme helps young people develop their skills, experience a variety of activities, make new friends and improve their self-esteem and confidence.