Volunteer Police Cadets Help Out at Mid Devon Vehicle Check Operation

Devon & Cornwall Police celebrated National Volunteers Week and our Volunteer Police Cadets have been helping out and showing their dedication and service.  

Cadets based at Tiverton joined operational officer colleagues at a vehicle checking initiative at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Weighbridge site in Sampford Peverell, Mid Devon, on Sat 3 June.

Neighbourhood Policing Officers, Police Staff, Cadet Leaders and Policing Volunteers worked with the Volunteer Police Cadets at a pro-active operation, engaging with the motoring public at the site.

The Cadets were tasked to assist officers with the efficient examination of vehicles, checking for aspects of un-roadworthiness that could endanger road users. Vehicles were stopped and checks completed on valid insurance, current test certificates and driving licences.  The Cadets examined the lighting, tyres and wiping systems on each vehicle, and pointed-out any non-compliance to the motorists.  

PC Adrian Legg, Neighbourhood Beat Manager at Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “The local Volunteer Police Cadets were tasked to examine vehicles, stopped by our officers, for roadworthiness.  The Cadets were mentored in communicating with members of the public and remembering to communicate clearly and with good manners.

“We welcome the Cadets assistance with the operation and would also like to thank the public who took part. I owe all the volunteers my thanks for making the day work, and playing their part in helping our young people, help the people of Mid Devon.”

The Cadets worked in pairs, supervised by police officers, who mentored then in talking to the public and building public confidence in local policing. In doing so each of the young people learned the values of engaging with the public and proportionate enforcement of the law relating to road traffic offences.

Around 150 vehicles were checked and some offences were identified and enforced. There was one offence of no insurance, three offences of no current test certificate, three offences of no current vehicle tax and three offences of non-complaint tyres.

Volunteers who took part on the day include; Vehicle Checking Volunteers Ian Keenan and Tom Orton, Cadet Leaders Melissa Ford, Beth Rusalen and Neil Roberts, Special Constable and Tiverton Cadet Leader Paul Fudge, along with Special Constable Simeon Johnson.

Devon & Cornwall Police has 328 Volunteer Police Cadets, of which 40 volunteer across the Exeter, East & Mid Devon police sector. The Tiverton area has 17 Cadets.

Cadets are aged between 13 and 18 and help police colleagues at various events. The positive scheme can help those who may be thinking about a future role as a police officer and give them real life experience. They wear a uniform and are encouraged to engage with their local community.

Cadets will be at the Exeter Respect Festival this weekend in Belmont Park which is a celebration of diversity. In North Devon, Police Cadet Lara Thompson has been selected as the Barnstaple Mayor's Cadet for 2023/4. She will be supporting the Mayor, Councillor Louisa York, at civic ceremonies, fairs and charity events.  

To find out more information about the Police Cadets scheme in Devon & Cornwall please visit our website DC Police Cadets - Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police working in Partnership (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

National Volunteers Week ran from 1-7 June this year. For more information please visit (volunteersweek.org)