By Laurice Laird
Lambeth cadets were declared the overall winners at an annual Met police cadet competition and parade at Hendon policing school.
The action packed weekend, held on July 12th to July 14th, saw cadets aged 13 to 19 camp out on the school playing fields and engage in a variety of activities that tested their policing knowledge, physical skills and team dynamics.
Craig Mackey, Deputy Commissioner, said: “The weekend was a fantastic opportunity for the cadets to compete, but also to socialise with each other.
“The cadets are an integral part of the MPS extended policing family and this event demonstrates that our young people really are amazing.
“I congratulate each and every team for taking part in the competition and parade. I would also like to thank all those involved in organising and helping at this weekend’s event, for making it such a huge success.”
The competition, which was the largest to date, saw Hounslow and Bromley rank a close second and third.
Sergeant David Black, event organiser, said: “The exceptionally high standard of police knowledge demonstrated by all the teams made this the closest fought competition yet. The parade on Sunday was stunning, all the cadets should be enormously proud, as we are of them.”
The occasion was concluded with a cadet parade in front of borough commanders, borough mayors and other senior officers and dignitaries.
Commander Simon Bray, head of MPS training, said: “The VPC is a superb example of young people making London safer. Cadets and their leaders get involved in crime prevention activities, help to solve local problems and play a vital part in public events, such as Trooping the Colour and the London Marathon.”
The event was supported by an open day at Hendon policing school, which gave members of the public the opportunity to find out about the VPC programme and volunteering opportunities.
There is currently an MPS campaign to recruit hundreds more volunteer cadet leaders who can help make a difference to the lives of thousands of young adults in the Capital.
To find out more about the VPC programme, visit www.met.police.uk/cadets and for details on how to apply visit www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/cadets or call 0845 434 9519 to see if you’re eligible for an application form.
