From cadet to cop: my policing journey

Posted on 8 October 2026, at 08:40 in Uncategorised

“The Police Cadets gave me the confidence and skills to prepare for the future, while inspiring a lifelong passion for supporting and helping others.”

I was just 13 when I joined the police cadets. Inspired by the respect and admiration my father had for the police, I was drawn to the programme because it offered discipline, opportunities for personal growth, and a chance to take the first step towards the career I hoped to pursue.

Fast forward six years, and I am now a police constable completing the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) programme. Looking back, I can confidently say that being a Police Cadet not only prepared me for this career, but also helped shape my values, build my confidence, and make me the person I am today.

During my time as a cadet, I took part in a range of operational activities alongside officers and staff. One of my favourite memories was attending Emergency Services Day in Weston-super-Mare. Watching officers engage directly with members of the community showed me the real difference those interactions can make and how they help build trust and understanding between the public and the police.

The cadet programme equipped me with practical skills and valuable insight into policing. From learning about stop and search procedures and radio communications to first aid, developing my fitness, discipline and confidence, every experience helped build a strong foundation for my future career.

I fully immersed myself in the cadet programme, and that dedication did not go unnoticed. During my time as a cadet, I was proud to receive several awards, including Cadet of the Year on three occasions and Cadet Team of the Year. Receiving those awards only strengthened my passion for policing and reinforced my ambition to pursue a career in the service.

Niyaz, fourth from the left, pictured with his cadet team after winning Cadet Team of the Year.

I am in my first year of PCDA, I am often asked what the most rewarding part of the role has been so far. For me, it is knowing that I can make a positive difference to someone’s safety and wellbeing. There is no greater feeling than being able to help people when they need it most.

I would highly recommend the Cadet programme to anyone considering a career in policing or simply looking to develop new skills and confidence. It provides valuable life skills, builds confidence and discipline, and offers a unique insight into how policing works. Even if you choose not to pursue a career in the police service, the experiences and skills you gain will stay with you for life.

As we celebrate National Cadet Week, I am incredibly grateful for everything the programme has given me. It played a huge role in shaping the person and police officer I have become, providing me with skills, experiences and opportunities that continue to influence me every day.

Looking to the future, I am excited to continue serving our communities and making a positive difference. I also hope to give back to the programme that helped shape me by returning as a cadet leader and inspiring the next generation of young people who are considering a future in policing. If I can encourage one young person to take that first step, as I did all those years ago, it would be incredibly rewarding.