YOUNG people across the Forest of Dean are being encouraged to sign up for Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Volunteer Police Cadet scheme, with recruitment now open for 2026 and a dedicated Forest of Dean unit based at Coleford Police Station.

The scheme is open to anyone aged between 13 and 18 and offers local teenagers the chance to play an active role in their community while developing confidence, teamwork and leadership skills.

Cadets in the Forest of Dean meet on Thursday evenings at Coleford Police Station, working closely with neighbourhood policing teams on a wide range of activities.

Police say the cadet programme provides a valuable insight into modern policing while also helping to support local priorities such as tackling anti-social behaviour, improving road safety and strengthening community reassurance.

Cadets take part in community policing initiatives, sporting activities and drill, as well as volunteering at events where a visible police presence is required.

The Forest of Dean Neighbourhood Policing Team has confirmed that applications are now open, with an open evening taking place on Monday, February 9.

This will give prospective cadets and their families the opportunity to find out more about what is involved and ask questions of officers and leaders. Applications close in early February, with interviews scheduled to take place later in the month.

A quarter of cadets across Gloucestershire come from vulnerable backgrounds, and the scheme aims to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.

Training covers topics such as citizenship, community engagement and personal safety, while also allowing cadets to assist with initiatives including speed awareness campaigns, promoting online safety and supporting older residents with crime prevention advice.

Cadets may also work alongside neighbourhood policing officers and Special Constabulary colleagues on activities linked to speeding, mobile phone use while driving and anti-social behaviour, although police have stressed that cadet safety is always the top priority.

All public deployments are fully risk assessed and cadets are never placed in potentially dangerous situations.

Those who join are issued with a cadet uniform, with a small weekly subscription of £1 paid on the night of meetings.

While most sessions take place on Thursday evenings during term time, there may also be opportunities to support operations and events at weekends or during school holidays, with as much notice as possible given.

Alongside recruiting new cadets, Gloucestershire Constabulary is also appealing for volunteer Cadet Leaders from the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas.

Leaders play a key role in mentoring young people, supporting weekly sessions and chaperoning cadets at events. The role is flexible, with volunteers asked to give a few hours each month where possible.

Police say becoming a cadet leader is a rewarding way to give back to the community, helping young people grow into confident and responsible members of society.

Anyone interested in joining the Forest of Dean Police Cadets or becoming a cadet leader can find application details through Gloucestershire Constabulary, with training for new recruits taking place at the Sabrina Centre in Berkeley.