From Cadet to student officer

9 May 2023

One of the latest recruits to join the Force has told how he hopes to inspire other youngsters to follow in his footsteps, as he looked forward to his first official shift on duty.

Alfie Russell will spend three years training to be a regular, as part of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) route having been inspired to join the Force following his experience as a Cadet.

The 18-year-old joined the Cadets two years ago and has dreamt of developing a career in the police service ever since.

“Being a Cadet was absolutely brilliant. I was always interested in the law, and after joining the Cadets, I instantly knew that becoming a police officer was what I wanted to do,” said Alfie.

“Unfortunately, the first year of my Cadet experience was during Covid, so all the sessions were virtual but I still found those extremely interesting and useful.

“Once we were able to attend sessions in person again, it was great. Some of the activities we’ve experienced are hands-on and practical, they definitely give you a small taste of life as an officer.”

Alfie, who passed out at the end of March, says he hopes to continue volunteering with the Cadets alongside his training - time permitting - and looks forward to sharing his experiences with the youngsters.

“Even during the past few weeks when I’m training, I’ve been staying to help out at the Cadets. I really enjoy it, and it’s sweet looking after the juniors now, who might one day be following in my footsteps,” continued Alfie.

“I’m looking forward to going back once I’ve settled into work, so I can share my experiences and stories with them.

“This is the next chapter in my story, and I can’t wait to head out on my first shift.”

Federation member and Cadet leader Paul Kanikowski says seeing people like Alfie move into the Force, makes him ‘so proud’.

“Being a Cadet leader is very rewarding,” said the schools and early intervention officer, who has been volunteering with the Cadets since 2014.

“We see youngsters, from the ages of 11 to 18, join us from all walks of life, some of whom have got a whole host of issues but they soon see value in the Cadets and what we have to offer. Being a Cadet opens the door to a different lifestyle.

“I really enjoy volunteering and trying to guide young people from Nottinghamshire down the right path.

“Seeing our Cadets, and watching how far they’ve come, makes me so proud.”

Having joined Nottinghamshire Police Force 23 years ago, and worked with youngsters across the city since 2005, Paul said he has seen first-hand just how vital programmes like the Cadets are. 

“We need to keep these kids out of trouble, and help them make better decisions,” said Paul, who called for the media to start shining a light on the more positive stories surrounding young people. 

“We all know good, positive news doesn’t sell. But it’s about time we start shouting about the great things these kids are doing, just like those in the Cadets.

“The press is full of negative stories about young people but the Cadets is a real example of how thousands of kids are doing something extremely positive.”

In February this year, the latest group of Cadets passed their attestation - a formal ceremony where they paraded in full uniform in front of senior officers and guests, as well as a family, at the Force’s headquarters in Arnold.

Soon, they will be heading out into the community during their sessions and assisting neighbourhood officers, as they take part in a number of activities designed to build teamwork and personal resilience.