Wiltshire Police Cadet 2026 Recruitment Applications Open Now (Yrs 9-11)

Volunteer Police Cadets

Become part of a national youth movement that supports local policing, builds confidence, and helps young people make a real difference in their communities.

How to Apply

Recruitment for the September 2026 intake is open until 23:00 on Friday 17 July 2026. We cannot accept late applications.

The link to the online application form can be found in the recruitment guidance document. Please ensure you read this information carefully with your parent or guardian before applying.

Online application for VPC Sept 2026 Guidance.pdf

Download PDF • 342KB

Please note: The scheme is extremely popular, and we receive more applications than we have spaces available. Unfortunately, this means some candidates will be disappointed.

About the Cadet Programme

We currently operate four active cadet units in Chippenham, Swindon, Trowbridge and Warminster.

Each unit meets on a weekday evening during school term time, offering a mix of:

• Practical activities

• Learning and skills development

• Teamwork and fun

  
  

Cadets also work alongside neighbourhood policing teams throughout the year, supporting community events, leaflet drops and local engagement tasks that help strengthen relationships between the police, young people and the public.

Who Can Join?

To join the Wiltshire Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme, applicants must:

• Be 13–16 years old when the cadet year begins in September 2026

• Not have committed a violent or sexual offence

• Not be, have been, or become a member of any political party or extreme organisation whose aims contradict the duty to promote race equality

  
  

These criteria ensure the programme remains safe, inclusive and focused on positive community impact.

What You’ll Gain

Joining the cadets is an opportunity to grow, learn and contribute. Successful applicants will be given the opportunity to:

• Make new friends

• Build confidence

• Develop skills that last a lifetime

• Contribute to their local community

  
  

You’ll learn and practise skills used by police officers, including:

• Communication

• Interpersonal skills

• Teamwork

  
  

You’ll also explore:

• Community issues and local policing priorities

• Aspects of the law and police procedure

• Specialist police units and how they operate

• Personal development topic including career guidance, healthy relationships and wellbeing

  
  

If you have any queries or would like more information about the scheme, please contact Cadets@wiltshire.police.uk