Metropolitan Police Careers

About us

If you're between 14 and 18, and you're up for a challenge, find out how the VPC can offer you a world of adventure and new opportunities. It's an exciting way to meet wonderful people, pick up valuable skills all while having a great time.

More importantly it's a chance to show what you're made of and earn the respect of those around you. No one's going to judge you. If you're on our team, we're only interested in where you're at now and where you're heading.

We aim to promote and encourage a practical interest in policing among young people so you’ll have the opportunity to assist the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams through leaflet drops, crime prevention initiatives, community safety events and street surveys. You can also assist by stewarding at local community events, and high profile events including Remembrance Sunday, Trooping the Colour and the London Marathon.

You’ll be taught basic knowledge in a variety of policing contexts and you will also have the opportunity to visit different units in the police service; which could include Air Support Unit, the Marine Police, the Mounted Branch (Horses) the Firearms unit and Forensic unit.
We aim to provide training which will encourage positive leadership within communities, so we will help you gain qualifications including your Duke of Edinburgh Award from bronze to gold level, first aid training, cycle safety, and you will also have the opportunity to gain your RYA qualification and BTEC National Diploma in Public Services.

We encourage the spirit of adventure and will help you develop lasting transferable skills in leadership and good citizenship. Most units have a summer camp as well as expeditions during the year and we also work with other uniformed organisations including the army cadet force assisting as team leaders and mentors on their Outreach Programme.

Being a cadet is all about teamwork and developing a sense of healthy competition so you become the best you can be. There are seven competitions a year when you will have the chance to work as part of a team and demonstrate your skills in everything from problem-solving to various physical activities. There is something for everyone from street policing skills like stop and search to map reading, leadership and tests of strength and stamina.

What do our cadets have to say?
"Since being a Hackney Cadet I have been offered and awarded so many wonderful and challenging things. Most recently I had the honour of representing the Metropolitan Police Service at the United Nations Child Labour Conference held in Geneva. The experience and life skills I have gained from this can only aid and promote me through University and my chosen career. The Hackney Cadet staff work so hard on our behalf and push us to get involved in as many activities and events as humanly possible. They have made me believe in myself to get involved in all these events and receive such distinguishing accolades."

Inspired to join?
You will need to be between the ages of 14 and 18 to apply to be a Cadet - although recruitment is favoured from 14 to 17 years. Apart from that, the main requirement is that you have the enthusiasm and commitment to attend weekly meetings and make an active and valuable contribution. The Cadets are an important part of the MPS, so you should only join if you are serious about the opportunity. Having been in trouble with the police will not necessarily prevent you joining us as we will always try to support everyone, so just give us a call.

Volunteering opportunities
Over 18? We still need you! Cadet units are always looking for volunteers to help them run their unit. No former knowledge or training is required, you will receive on the job training and you may also have the opportunity to gain qualifications up to Masters level in public services. We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities from administrative work to help the programme run efficiently, to working with young people, assisting at events and going on expeditions. All we ask is that you are enthusiastic and you want to make a difference to young Londoners’ lives.

Get involved

The Met Volunteer Programme

If the Cadets isn't your thing, and you're aged 18 or over, you may be able to get involved with your local police through the Met Volunteer Programme. This gives people the opportunity to get more involved in their communities, carrying out all sorts of non-uniformed roles, developing valuable new skills and experience in the process. Find out more about the Met Volunteer Programme

Safer Neighbourhood Teams

Every area in London will soon have its own Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) - a group of police officers and police community support officers dedicated to local issues and policing. Your local SNT wants to hear from you, to get your views on the issues facing your community and work with you in making it a better place for everyone. Find your local team via www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods

Get streetwise

You can also get involved indirectly simply by learning a bit more about what you can do to stay safe, protect your property and generally be a good citizen. Helping to prevent criminal and anti-social behaviour in this way is just as important as police work, so never underestimate the effect your everyday behaviour can have on your quality of life, or that of the people around you. You can find out more about getting streetwise - including how to have a good time without taking unnecessary risks, how to tackle bullying, how to protect your mobile phone and how to approach going on a date - by visiting the MPS's Youth Zone at www.met.police.uk/youngpeople

Give it a try

If you would like to attend any of our future 'Give it a try' events please email cadets@met.police.uk and we will inform you of the details of the next event.