Being a teenager in today’s world isn’t easy. As a father and a police officer, former VPD Chief Constable Jim Chu was acutely aware of the challenges that teens face today, and the opportunity police officers have to make a difference in their lives.
He wanted to invite these kids into the police family, “behind the scenes,” and offer them access to some of the more exciting, bond-building aspects of policing, balanced with teaching them life and leadership skills.
The Vancouver Police Foundation, the City of Vancouver and the provincial government, shared his vision, and stepped up with their financial support.
This Saturday, 60 Vancouver teens will participate in a completion ceremony at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School at 11:00 a.m. – the first-ever graduates of the VPD Cadet Program. Throughout the last year, they have met every Saturday to train alongside VPD officers and take part in camping trips, sporting events and VPD ceremonies. They have learned how to be role models and mentor other youth, and how to help themselves succeed in the future.
This fall, another group of students will rise to the challenge and become VPD cadets. If you know someone who may benefit from this program, additional information on how to apply for the 2015/2016 school year can be found on the VPD Cadet website.
Applications will be accepted until May 15th.
