High praise for young police cadets as nation marks Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week

Volunteer police cadets who are playing a pivotal role in reassuring communities impacted by anti-social behaviour have received high praise from Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen.

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The cadets, aged between 11 and 17, are supporting the delivery of a national trailblazer pilot providing ‘hotspot’ enforcement patrols across 34 communities with long-running issues with anti-social behaviour (ASB) and disorder.

As part of the multiagency operation, the cadets have delivered more than 1,000 leaflets advising residents how to report ASB and where to access support. They have also participated in engagement events hosted by the PCC throughout the summer and provided a uniformed presence in communities at times when ASB is more prevalent.

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The cadets have been heavily involved in the management and the running of the ‘hotspots’ policing scheme and are thought to be the first in the country to be given such a prominent role to play in its delivery.

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Their work has already been held as a beacon of best practice and shared nationally with other force areas, being awarded the Durham Difference Award for Volunteer of the Year 2024.

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The PCC recently nominated the cadets for a national Crimebeat Award to reflect their professionalism and dedication and is highlighting their contribution as part of her work to promote Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week, which runs from 18th to 24th November.

 
Commissioner Allen said: “I could not be prouder of our cadets and the huge role they are playing in reassuring our communities.

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“They have demonstrated confidence and resourcefulness beyond their years and have built such a rapport with residents and businesses, that people in other areas beyond the hotspots have requested further information about the work we are doing to improve the response to ASB.

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“I am so grateful for the willingness of the cadets to give up their time to support the ASB project and for the fantastic job they have done to increase confidence in reporting of these issues as well as promoting and personally endorsing the sense of community that our county needs to remain resilient to crime.

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“The idea for this project was put forward by the cadets themselves and they have enjoyed seeing the positive impact they are having on victims of ASB. Their creativity is endless, and their energy boundless. County Durham and Darlington is very fortunate to have them onboard.”

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The cadets are currently developing a funding proposal based on their own idea to design and print lamppost stickers with a QR code to inform people how to report ASB.

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Through their involvement in the pilot, they have developed problem solving skills, learned how to identify and reach those affected ASB and have honed their communication skills to understand and record key crime priorities for the public while assisting with their concerns.  

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Durham’s Volunteer Police Cadet programme is run by Durham Agency Against Crime (DAAC) and has inspired hundreds of young people from all backgrounds to learn more about policing since launching – with many going on to become fully fledged police officers, PCSOs and Police Staff.

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As part of the scheme, cadets take part in a range of initiatives including assisting the PCC at engagement and recruitment events, undertaking fitness training, leafleting in all-weathers, visiting businesses to explain ASB reporting processes, taking part in educational visit across blue light services and volunteering.

Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week is a national campaign organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, aimed at encouraging communities to take a stand against ASB and highlighting the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.

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