Youngsters recruited for police cadet training scheme
Youngsters in Hampshire are being recruited to join a new police cadet training scheme.
The Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) is aimed at 11-18-year-olds who sign up for a 10-week induction programme.
They are then required to complete a minimum of three hours volunteering per month by assisting with local policing and community events.
The VPC scheme will initially be launched at two Southampton schools, Cantell and Redbridge.
In September it will be rolled out to other location across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
PC Stephen Swift, force VCP leader, said: "Our aim is to inspire young people to positively participate in their local communities, and to give them a voice within the police and the opportunity to get involved in a really positive way.
"It is important to understand that the volunteer cadets will have no policing powers, they are not special constables and will not be used in any such capacity.
"But they will be a very important part of the Hampshire Constabulary extended police family working within the community, tackling local issues."