The
quest to find the best Volunteer Police Cadet Unit (VPC) in England
was battled out in a two day competition on Saturday 10th and Sunday
11th September 2005.
The competition, held at the Metropolitan Police Training School in
Hendon, put young cadets from 29 VPC units across England, including
Ealing�s finest, through their paces in a series of exercises testing
their policing skills.
The overall event was won by Hounslow and Richmond, 2nd Hillingdon,
3rd Havering, with Ealing just missing out on the overall medals in
4th place.
This was a fantastic achievement by all as this is only the 2nd time
Ealing VPC unit has reached the national final.
Activities included a complex police drill scenario, 500m shield run
in riot gear, orienteering exercise and a complex car crash scenario
and medals were awarded for each component of the competition.
The competition also included a section called Skill�s Evaluation
Exercises.
This exercise consisted of 5 practical examinations
Offensive weapon scenario,
Missing person investigation,
Assault scenario,
Intelligence gathering robbery scenario
and finally a Magistrates Court scenario where one 'lucky' cadet had
to give evidence of their arrest following the robbery scenario.
This year, Ealing VPC won the gold medal in the Skill�s Evaluation
Exercises, which were based similar to those run for MPS recruits
during their training, scoring an average of 81% across the five 5
role-plays.
Ealing Borough Cadet Team Leader Police Constable Tracy Fane
"This is a challenging event for those involved but is also very
exciting and a lot of fun. Those involved get to draw on a whole range
of skills that are not only important for a police officer but also
useful in everyday life.
All of the cadets performed superbly and every cadet that took part
should be very proud of themselves. It is a testament to their drive,
determination and commitment that they achieved such a fantastic result
at this year�s event."
The Ealing Borough Volunteer Police Cadets is open to all young people
on Ealing Borough between 14 and 21. It is a useful hobby for young
people who are interested in pursuing a career in the police and also
those who are looking to become well-rounded individuals.
The Cadets meet every Thursday night between 6:30pm and 9:30pm at
Perivale Community Centre, Horsenden Lane South, Perivale. The meetings
consist of lessons in topics such as law, police procedures and crime
prevention. They also have drill practice and do a variety of sports.
Cadets also have an occasional opportunity to take part in policing
local and pan-London events.
In the past the Cadets have been involved in crime prevention for
Operation Safer Streets by property marking of mobile telephones,
offering crime prevention advice on motor vehicle crime and test purchasing
of alcohol to underage persons across the borough. They have also
been involved in stewarding of local events, such as the Ealing Countryside
Fair and Acton Fair.
Can you help?
In order to continue the hard
work and dedication the Ealing Borough Volunteer Cadets participate
in across the borough and to help them train for the National Cadet
Finals next year they need to find an alternative venue on Ealing
Borough. They would like to appeal to the community to help them locate
this venue with preferably an outdoor court/playground area to practice
for next year�s national competition.
Also there is a great opportunity for sponsors from local business/companies/organizations
to get involved so that they can continue to serve the community and
at the same time, provide a varied programme of events for the Cadets.
Please contact Pc Tracy Fane on Mobile 07947307029 if you want to
join the cadets, have a suitable venue for them to train or wish to
sponsor the cadets.
Further information on Volunteer Cadets can also be found at www.met.police.uk/cadets