A campaign is under way to recruit the next intake of young people for the highly acclaimed Isle of Man Police Youth Scheme.
Volunteers in school years 10 and 11 are invited to apply to serve as cadets for two years to gain an insight into police work while developing their personal skills and supporting the community.
A total of 15 places are available and application forms can be obtained from the Police Youth Scheme Facebook page or by emailing programme coordinator PC Michael Griffiths at michael.griffiths@gov.im.
The deadline for applications is 31 January 2016.
The scheme provides participants with an opportunity to learn what it takes to become a police officer, with practical lessons based on real-life scenarios. The overall focus is on helping the cadets to realise their full potential by enhancing their life experience, confidence and knowledge.
Launched in 2013, the initiative has proven to be a successful route into policing for those wishing to pursue a career with the Isle of Man Constabulary. Of the first cohort of 15 cadets, one is working towards a full-time position with the Manx force, while others have progressed into the Special Constabulary.
The Isle of Man Police Youth Scheme has also been commended by Ed Sherry, Programme Director of the National Volunteer Police Cadets, and by Youth United Foundation (YUF), a network representing voluntary youth organisations across the British Isles.
YUF recently visited the Island to assess its cadets and leaders and stated: ‘This unit is achieving amazing things, both in terms of youth provision for the young people and also in their local community. The Isle of Man scheme is genuinely one of the best we have ever visited. The passion of the leaders and the eagerness of the cadets was a delight to see.’
The initial intake of Island cadets learned a wide range of practical policing skills during their two years, including crime prevention, road safety, open water rescues and community engagement. A number of participants secured their Duke of Edinburgh Gold awards and all 15 obtained first aid certificates. Their achievements were celebrated at a passing out ceremony at the end of December.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The Isle of Man Police Youth Scheme is an outstanding success on many levels. It projects a positive image of young people in the Island and helps the cadets to fulfil their personal goals while making a valuable contribution to the wider community. The scheme also provides a flavour of real-life police work and acts as a useful stepping stone for those seeking to become full-time officers. PC Mike Griffiths and his colleagues deserve a great deal of credit for making this such a worthwhile project.’
Chief Constable Gary Roberts added: ‘I am so pleased that we are able to begin recruiting a second group of volunteer youth cadets. This is a great opportunity for the Island's young people. The scheme has already been a great success and I am proud of what the first group achieved. It was a privilege to see them grow and develop into the fine young citizens that they now are. I look forward to seeing the next group emulating those achievements.’
Photo - Police Youth Cadets passing out ceremony. Courtesy of Ruth Gale Photography.
