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Cadets Julius Francis, 15, and Kevin Ebengo, 14, presented Sgt Matthews with flowers to thank her for supporting them. |
Top cop returns to his old beat for cadets ceremony
METROPOLITAN Police Commissioner Ian Blair returned to his old stomping ground last week to welcome Camden’s first crop of cadets.
Mr Blair, speaking at a passing out ceremony at Acland Burghley School on Monday, spoke of the difference he had noted in the area, saying: “I used to serve in Kentish Town in the 80s and it was a pretty tough time and a pretty tough area.
“One of the things I have learned is that you can’t police at a place, you can only police with it.”
He added: “I’m delighted to be back here. I remember this school. It wasn’t in the best state imaginable and now I gather there’s a waiting list.”
Mr Blair dropped in on the Gospel Oak school to inspect 30 young cadets at their parade to celebrate passing their initial training.
The course, for youths aged between 14 and 19, teaches good citizenship and encourages young people to help the police in behind-the-scenes crime-fighting, including registering mobile phones to help combat theft.
After inspecting the youths, who all turned out in uniform, Mr Blair told them: “You are part of the family of the MPS – we are very proud to have you. The volunteer cadets are a really significant way of linking the Met to the community, they are an example of policing with the community.”
“This is the 27th borough to set up a volunteer cadet scheme and these things are not done without a huge commitment from the staff and the volunteer cadets are a credit to those staff.”
Mr Blair also praised Deirdre Matthews for her work with the cadets.
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