Gwent Police has welcomed 20 new volunteer cadets into its force based in Caerphilly County Borough.
The 20 Caerphilly cadets, aged between 15 and 17, will take part in a two-year programme giving them experience of life in the police.
The successful recruits had to go through a rigorous testing regime, which included an interview and security vetting, and complete training which included spending time with various sections of the police.
The cadets will now have their own uniform and take part in Neighbourhood Policing, which will include community engagement, PACT meetings and surgeries, and patrols.
Each Neighbourhood Policing Team will have two to three cadets assigned to the team Sergeant and a designated PCSO in Bargoed, Bedwas, Blackwood, Caerphilly, Rhymney, Risca and Ystrad Mynach.
The cadets will also support small and large scale events in Caerphilly and across the police force.
Their first engagement event will take place this Remembrance Sunday working alongside local officers in policing Armistice parades across Caerphilly County Borough.
Inspector Kevin Childs, who leads the cadet programme for Caerphilly, said: “This is a new and exciting initiative for Caerphilly as well as the new police cadets.
“The Cadet Programme will help these teenagers become better citizens. They will develop new skills, meet new people and have something very different to add to their CV – it’s all about broadening their horizons and trying something a bit different. They will be a great asset to Caerphilly and our police force.”
Jon Burley, the Superintendent for the Caerphilly Local Policing Unit, added: “I am pleased to welcome the cadets to Caerphilly Local Policing Unit. I’m sure they will make a valuable contribution alongside our Neighbourhood Policing Team and to the communities we serve.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting all the cadets and I’ve already been inspired by their dedication and enthusiasm – I wish them every success with their future at Gwent Police.”