A former cadet hopes to inspire young people to follow in her footsteps after she became a fully-fledged police officer.
Abbie Shetliffe, 19, joined Nottinghamshire Police’s cadets when she was 16 because she felt like policing might be the job for her.
She explained: “I had always wanted to do a job helping people. I’ve grown up being the person that people come to for help and advice and I thought maybe I could work in the NHS or the police.
“I saw the cadets programme as a chance to try out policing and seeing what it was like and, after two years, I knew that being a police officer was the right choice for me.”
Abbie finished her A levels during the height of the pandemic and had applied to go to university to study a policing degree, however, she saw that Nottinghamshire Police had opened recruitment for the police constable degree apprenticeship route.
Inspired by her experience at the cadets, Abbie applied to join her local force and was successful in her first attempt.
Abbie said: “While I wouldn’t say the cadets has shown me what it will be like to be a police officer every day, it certainly gave me a great understanding of what is involved and what makes a good police officer.
“We had guests from all different departments from across the force deliver sessions and some external guests too. It is a really brilliant way to make friends and challenge yourself.
“It set me up well to apply for Nottinghamshire Police and now I’ve completed my training I am excited to get started.”
Abbie, who is now a cadet leader herself, has some advice for people who are considering joining the force. She said: “First of all, I would definitely sign up for the cadets. It is an amazing opportunity to experience policing from a different perspective and you never know, you might want to be an officer yourself.
“If you are wanting to be an officer, I’d say be prepared and ready for it. Make sure you fully research everything and only go for it if you are fully committed.”
Chief Constable Craig Guildford, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Abbie’s story is a brilliant example of the opportunities provided by our cadet programme and I am delighted to welcome her to the force.
“Her commitment to Nottinghamshire Police from a young age is inspiring and she has done exceptionally well to become an officer straight from finishing her A levels.
“We are really proud of the cadet programme and the excellent experiences it provides for young people.
“If you know a young person who is interested in policing or if you are reading this and are wanting to see what policing is like, please do consider signing up for the cadets.”
Abbie completed her first day as a police constable in Mansfield yesterday.
The force is currently taking applications for cadets.
During their time with the force, cadets gain a unique insight into modern day policing whilst being provided with exciting opportunities.
The aims of the Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme are
- To promote a practical understanding of policing amongst all young people
- To encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship
- To support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard
- To inspire young people to participate positively in their communities.
Nottinghamshire Police currently operates two programmes: junior cadets (13-15-year olds) and senior cadets (16-18-year olds). Recruitment for police cadets is now open to enrol on the programme from September.
There are a number of vacancies across the county for cadets including the city centre, force headquarters, Arnold, Mansfield, Worksop, Bulwell and Bestwood.
Applicants can register their interest for police cadets by emailing police.cadets@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk
