Volunteer Police Cadets
A dynamic, engaging programme for young people aged 13–17 who want to learn new skills and make a difference in their community.
Are You Ready To…
- Make new friends and have fun?
- Take part in exciting and challenging activities?
- Volunteer in your community and lead positive change?
- Build confidence and communication skills?
- Learn what policing is really like?
If yes, the Volunteer Police Cadets might be perfect for you.
We are now recruiting for this role
Please apply by clicking the below link and completing the application form:
We are committed to achieving a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We encourage individuals of ethnic heritage and persons who identify as having a disability and/or who are neurodiverse to join our team. For more information, please contact our positive action team.
Becoming a Police Cadet
Our cadet programme offers young people a unique, hands on experience of policing.
We aim to:
- inspire confidence, responsibility, and active citizenship,
- offer meaningful volunteering and youth led social action,
- build strong links between young people, their communities, and the police,
- provide insight into policing teams and specialist roles.
What cadets do:
- team‑building and leadership challenges,
- supporting local community events,
- learning from specialist departments such as:
- scenes of crime
- public order training
- dog section
- workshops on drug/alcohol awareness, healthy relationships, and money management.
You’ll develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork, decision making, and problem solving.
Participation can contribute to the Youth Achievement Award, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
We welcome young people from all backgrounds, including those vulnerable to crime or social exclusion.
We especially encourage applications from:
- young people of ethnic heritage,
- disabled and neurodiverse young people,
- anyone interested in contributing positively to their community.
We adapt activities where needed, venues are accessible, and trial sessions are available for those who feel anxious about joining.
There are four cadet units in the following areas:
- Torfaen – Tuesday, Vantage Point Cwmbran - 5:30pm
- Blaenau Gwent – Tuesday, Ebbw Vale Police Station - 5:30pm
- Newport – Wednesday, Newport Central Police Station - 5:30pm
- Caerphilly – Wednesday, Ystrad Mynach College - 5:30pm
- Aged 13–17 (applications accepted for those entering Year 9 in the following September)
- Interest in policing or community engagement
- Commitment to equality, diversity and positive representation of Gwent Police
Cadets leave at age 18 but may progress to Cadet Leader, Police Support Volunteer, or Special Constable roles.
The programme is completely free.
All Cadets receive a free uniform, including boots.
Full details are provided once enrolment is complete.
Occasionally you may need to bring your own lunch or snacks for special planned trips. Notice will always be given for these outings.
Safe and secure
- All activities are fully risk assessed,
- cadets are supervised at all times by trained leaders,
- parents/carers receive risk assessments and sign permission forms for activities outside regular sessions,
- cadets are never placed in situations involving confrontation,
- outdoor activities are led only by qualified, insured staff.
Gwent Police follows the National Volunteer Police Cadets (NVPC) safeguarding framework, ensuring consistency in training, supervision, and reporting.
All Cadet Leaders undergo vetting and enhanced DBS checks.
We work closely with the National Safeguarding Manager to maintain high standards of youth safeguarding.
Immediate danger: Call 999
Non‑urgent concerns:
- Call 101
- Email: [email protected]
Other support services:
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 | [email protected]
- Childline: 0800 1111
- Independent Office for Police Conduct: 0300 020 0096 | [email protected]
If you have any questions about the Volunteer Police Cadets in Gwent, please contact [email protected].