Police cadets from all over Devon and Cornwall were on parade at police Headquarters in Exeter on Saturday (September 24) to celebrate the formation of their Community Police Cadet force exactly 10 years ago.

The event was lead by Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer who is the National Police Chief’s Council lead for Community Police Cadets.

He was joined by civic leaders and dignitaries from across the force area.  

More than 150 cadets marched in parade in front of their parents. 

After the formalities, guests were entertained by a display from the police dog section before a team challenge involving the cadets.

The voluntary scheme is for young people between the ages of 13 and 18. There are 17 cadet units across the two counties: 14 in Cornwall from St Austell to Wadebridge, four across Devon from Exeter to Kingsbridge, and one in Plymouth. 

The CPC aims to: promote positive images of young people and the police in the community; help young people develop skills, social responsibility and knowledge; facilitate links between the police and young people while developing an understanding of police and community working; and develop stronger communities and an awareness amongst young people of their community.

CPCs is open to all young people, regardless of their career ambitions or capabilities.