Volunteer police cadets get out into Somerset communities (From Somerset County Gazette)

Volunteer police cadets get out into Somerset communities

9:10am Wednesday 30th January 2013 in News

MEET these young cadets - part of a new volunteer unit set up in Taunton ready to help YOU.

The Avon and Somerset Police cadets are the first to be seen in the district in 30 years and they've already been helping out in their communities, giving crime prevention advice to shoppers and bicycle owners.

Seventeen girls and 13 boys aged between 14 and 17 who live or attend school in the Taunton Deane area have joined the unit and plan to hold more crime prevention events in the future.

Insp Tim Powell-Gill, who is leading the new unit, said: "It is a real privilege for me and the staff to be working with 30 energetic individuals who are keen to give something back to society.

"Not all of them are planning for a career with the police service, but they will all be making a valuable contribution to their communities while having fun through a range of activities and developing skills for the future.

"A number of the police officers, staff and volunteers who will be running the scheme have past experience in other cadet schemes and also in teaching which will help us get the best out of the cadets. The scheme relies upon their team effort."