intu Metrocentre police cadet scheme to be rolled out nationally

A scheme at the North East shopping centre which gives Police cadets the opportunity to experience a busy nightshift has been so successful that it is going to be rolled out nationally.

Intu Metrocentre has supported the North East Police cadets for a number of years, including allowing them to spend a night at the centre and deal with a number of specially created ’emergency’ scenarios such as first aid and looking after victims of crime.

The North East scheme,run by Northumbria Police, gives young people over the age of 14 the opportunity to sign up for the four year project, which gives them a real insight into the work of the Police. including the night at intu Metrocentre.

“The Metrocentre has always been a great supporter of the cadets, and the night shift event is always really popular. We get an empty shop to use as a base and between 11pm and 7am the young people get a taste of real police work.”said Sgt Alan Parks, volunteer police cadet coordinator at Northumbria Police.

“We have six night shifts throughout the year so that every group can be involved in one,”said Sgt Parks, who previously worked at the shopping centre as neighbourhood community sergeant.

The relationship between the cadets and intu Metrocentre, which has also given them financial support, has led to a number of successes, Including;

A cadet being short listed for a national St John’s Ambulance Award, cadets being shortlisted for High Sheriff awards ,18 cadets completing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards and a cadet being successful in his application to become an officer

“We are delighted to have been able to support such an important scheme and that our input has led to such positive results,” said Patsie Beaton, general manager at intu Metrocentre.

“These young people are great role models and it’s great to hear that a scheme piloted at intuMetrocentre is likely to be replicated nationwide.”