North Yorkshire Police

The Youth Commission enables young people to become a part of the solution, rather than being seen as part of the problem. The Youth Commission is a project to allow Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to work in partnership with young people to tackle urgent priorities. Working with Leaders Unlocked and North York Police the Youth Commission formed in July 2015. The commission is made up of 30 young people aged 14 to 23 from across York and North Yorkshire.

The commission have identified six priority areas they want to work on:

• Cyber crime and internet safety
• Legal highs
• Hate crime
• Homelessness and exploitation of vulnerability (inc sexual)
• Police relationships with young people
• Preventing crime against young people

There will be further events in October 2015 before the young people present their findings to Police and Crime Commissioner and chief officers. A full written report will be made available outlining the work of the Youth Commissioners and the difference they have made.

Youth Cadets

Recruitment has now closed for North Yorkshire Police's first Volunteer Police Cadet Unit in York. Future recruitment will be advertised on the North Yorkshire Police website.

About Volunteer Police Cadets

The scheme is primarily a youth inclusion and engagement scheme designed to encourage young people to develop new skills, self esteem and self confidence in the service of our communities. It aims to boost links between the police and young people and to promote good citizenship. The scheme is not about recruiting future police officers - it is about supporting the development of young people and making a difference to communities.

The aims of the scheme are to:

• Encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship
• Inspire young people to participate positively in their communities
• Promote a practical understanding of policing among young people
• Engage young people, including those at risk of entering the criminal justice system or being socially excluded, in activities that encourage them to develop socially and academically and make a positive contribution to the community in which they live
• Support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard
• Be Safe-Feel Safe - to help build safer, stronger and more supportive communities
• To help the development of personal and leadership skills through a variety of experiences, including the opportunity of volunteering in the community and through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.