A new initiative has been launched in south Bucks which will see young people in the area get a taste of life as a police officer.

The Thames Valley Police Cadets scheme, which has been rolled out in the Chiltern and south Bucks local police area (LPA), will provide young people between the ages of 13 and 18 an opportunity to develop their qualities and skills through a structured programme.

The scheme, sponsored by Bucks County Council, was launched yesterday (Thursday) at The Beaconsfield School on Wattleton Road, which will become a focal meeting point for the cadets and cadet leaders to meet each week.

TVP said the scheme is about including teenagers irrespective of their background, financial circumstances, vulnerability to crime or social exclusion, and by joining the scheme, young people will have the opportunity to express their views on policing.

Cadets in each LPA will take part in neighbourhood policing initiatives and community activities and events alongside police officers and staff, other volunteers, and partner agencies.

They will also act as “conduits” for passing on policing messages to the wider community.

While cadets are not eligible for independent patrols and do not have any legal powers, they are able to support tasks such as crime prevention initiatives, public safety campaigns and get involved in non-confrontational community events under supervision. TVP has said all cadet activities are risk assessed.

Neighbourhood policing sgt Melvin Mutch, who has been working behind the scenes to set up the scheme and will oversee it, said: "The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain a practical understanding of policing combined with volunteering in the community.”