Nottinghamshire Police cadets selected for new community role with High Sheriff

Two Nottinghamshire Police cadets have been hand-picked for new roles with the county’s High Sheriff.

Luke Aitken, aged 16, and 17-year-old Harrison Gardner have been selected to serve as the High Sheriff’s Cadets and will attend ceremonial events throughout the year alongside him.

Luke and Harrison attended force HQ on Monday to meet current High Sheriff Paul Southby and Nottinghamshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Steve Cooper.

The High Sheriff is Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in the county and Mr Southby said the pair would enjoy a busy year as his official cadets.

He said: “They will attend ceremonial events and I’m also keen they get involved in more practical elements of the role, such as community projects which focus on crime prevention among young people.

“It was wonderful to meet them and I found out a lot about the cadet role and how both are hoping to become police officers.”

Luke, who lives in Farndon, and attends the force HQ cadets programme, said he would recommend joining the cadets to other young people.

“I would 100% urge other young people to join,” he said. “It is good fun and gives you a great insight into policing.”

Harrison, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, who attends the Mansfield cadets programme, said he had already attended a number of events as a cadet and was looking forward to the new role with the High Sheriff.

“I have been a cadet for three years and I’ve loved it,” he said.

“I’ve attended a lot of events already have directed traffic and engaged with people on the role of a cadet.”

Luke and Harrison, who will now wear a sash and badge in addition to their cadet uniforms, went through a tough interview process to land their new roles, which included researching the work of the High Sheriff.

Sergeant Kerry Hall, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Citizens in Policing Department, said: “The cadets programme is getting back into the swing of things after Covid and it is great to see Luke and Harrison taking on their new roles with the High Sheriff.

“They were very impressive during their interviews and I wish them good luck in their new duties.

“Police cadets provide huge opportunities for young people and I’d urge anyone interested to get in touch to find out more.”

Anyone who would like more information about the Nottinghamshire Police cadet programme, or how to join as a cadet leader, should email Police.cadets@notts.police.uk