ESSEX Police are on the hunt for young people in Southend to be a part of its volunteers police cadet programme. 

Anyone over the age of 18 can get involved in the police cadet programme as a volunteer cadet leader. 

The force say police cadets isn't about recruiting police officers of the future. It is about building positive relationships between young people, their communities, and police.

You don't need any policing background to apply. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We want to offer young people in Southend the opportunity to be a part of our volunteer police cadet programme.

"We are looking for local people, over the age of 18, to get involved in our police cadet programme as a volunteer cadet leader.

"Our volunteer police cadet leaders help to guide and inspire local teens, encouraging them to become good citizens.

"Being a cadet leader is hugely rewarding. Not only will you gain skills, experience, and qualifications, but your mentorship can support young local people grow into confident, well-rounded members of our community.

"You don’t need to have a policing background to be a cadet leader. In fact, we encourage those outside the police community to apply.

To find out more, visit essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/au/about-us/volunteer-police-cadets/volunteer-leaders/