Police Cadets visit Solutions SK security centre for industry insight

The Solutions SK Security Control Room played host to the Volunteer Police Cadets in Stockport as part of their programme to work closely with local police.

Colin Wright, Solutions SK Security Operations Manager, and Matthew Smith, Security Business Unit Manager gave the cadets a tour of the security facility Solutions SK run for Stockport businesses as well as talking with them about the work they carry out and the strong relationship they have with local police units.

With over 20 cadets present, the Control Room was a hive of excitement as the Solutions SK team talked through the history and development of CCTV, as well as the legal elements and the use of CCTV as police evidence.  Further to the tour, Solutions SK CCTV Operators showed the cadets how the cameras worked. The visit was organised in partnership with local police to help the cadets understand the value of CCTV as they are set ‘crimes’ to investigate.

Richard Fox of Greater Manchester Police said of the event,

Stockport Cadets thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the Solutions SK control room. It will be of great help to them when they run their ‘crime’ scenarios with GMP staff later in the year.” In addition, Solutions’ officers will often assist police at the scene of the crime utilising the Airwaves radio which puts them in direct contact with officers.

This ‘team’ approach has helped the police with many successful prosecutions as well as protecting officers dealing with incidents. Stockport Volunteer Police Cadets were formed in December 2013 and are the only Volunteer Police Cadets in Stockport.  The group meet weekly on Wednesdays between 6pm-8pm at Stockport Academy and are aged 14 to 18. To date, the cadets have been involved in many aspects of police and community work, including marshalling at charity fun runs and acting as ‘rioters’ for Police and Fire Service training.

Many speakers and police officers have visited the Cadets to provide insight and training, including Firearms Officers, CSI and Underwater Search Unit. Last year, the cadets completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and are embarking on their Silver this year. For further information about Stockport Volunteer Police Cadets please email PC Richard Fox at Richard.fox@gmp.police.uk

If you would like information regarding the National Volunteer Police Cadets, please visit their websitewww.nationalvpc.org