Inspiring and supporting young people across Dorset
If you can spare some time each week and are interested in becoming involved as a volunteer, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Volunteering as a cadet leader can be an inspiring and enriching experience. You will be assisting your force in meeting local policing priorities, helping to develop, encourage and empower the young people of Dorset to have a voice and achieve things they never believed possible, and you might even surprise yourself.
Become a Police Cadet Leader
The scheme is run by teams of fantastic volunteers. We're always looking for new volunteer cadet leaders to help within the scheme.
Leaders do not have to have previous police experience, only an interest in helping young people achieve their best and reach their full potential
If you can spare some of your time each week and are interested in becoming involved as a volunteer Cadet Leader, you can apply below.
Meet our Cadet Leaders
Suzanne
I joined Dorset Police as a cadet leader in 2019 when cadets in Dorset first started in its current format. I was a cadet as a teenager and felt it helped me grow as a young person.
Over the years, I have met many fellow leaders from different walks of life. I have seen young people start as shy 13-year-olds and leave as confident young adults. For me, being able to guide a young person in any small way, especially those who have not had or have an easy ride in life, is the biggest reward for this voluntary position.
I started as a cadet leader and then unit leader, and rather unexpectedly, I ended up with a job in Dorset Police as a cadet coordinator – something I had never even imagined. Who knows where your journey will take you?
Yvonne
I’ve been a Cadet Leader for over three years, and it is the most rewarding experience ever. I am sure I have learnt more from them in the last three years than I have ever managed to teach them! They are far more tolerant and accepting than they are given credit for. Yes, they can be loud and excitable, but that is part of being young and enjoying life.
I have seen extremely shy new cadets grow massively in confidence, going outside their comfort zone and developing the ability to stand up for themselves and freely share their thoughts and feelings. I’ve watched friendships flourish and cadets become team players, supporting each other through their hard times.
Cadets are compassionate, caring, mostly enthusiastic, funny, challenging, accepting, kind and resilient.
You don’t need to be involved in policing to be a cadet leader or know anything about policing; you only need to come with enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to show the younger generation how great they are.
Michelle
As a volunteer police cadet leader, I am deeply committed to supporting young people in building confidence, developing skills, and actively contributing to their communities. In my role, I have the privilege of mentoring cadets, guiding them through challenges, and fostering a sense of discipline and teamwork.
What I enjoy most about being a cadet leader is seeing the growth and transformation in young people. Watching them tackle challenges with increasing confidence and maturity is incredibly rewarding. It’s fulfilling to know that I play a small part in shaping the future by helping young individuals develop leadership qualities and a deeper understanding of their role in society.
More information
To find out more about becoming a Police Cadet Leader and to see if this is the volunteering opportunity for you, please visit the National Volunteer Police Cadet Leader website.