Havering teenager named as Volunteer Police Cadet’s Cadet of the Year 2022.

Well done to a Havering teenager for her fantastic achievement on being named Met Police Volunteer Police Cadet of the Year.

18-year-old Sara Norris was decorated with the title last weekend (Saturday 2 April) by Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball at New Scotland Yard. Cressida Dick, the then Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police was also in attendance. 

In August 2021, Sara and her father were involved in a serious road traffic collision, after which Sara spent a significant amount of time in hospital with serious injuries. Sara’s father did not survive the collision. 

During her time in hospital, Sara overcame many physical and emotional hurdles, coming to terms with not only losing her father but also permanently losing the use of one of her arms. Sara said that the driving force behind her remarkable recovery was getting back to Cadets as soon as possible so that she could continue to pursue her goal of becoming a frontline police officer.

Described by her cadet leaders as “strong, hardworking and remarkable”, Sara has become a shining example of the values that Volunteer Police Cadets are expected to hold, and an inspiration to other cadets. Though her injuries will prevent her from working on the Met’s frontline, Sara still has aspirations to work in a staff role within the Met, which her cadet leaders will support no end.

The Havering Daily was able to ask Sara some questions:

Why did you join the cadets?

Since I can remember I have only ever wanted to be a PC for the Met, which you can’t do when you’re 14! So the Cadets was the next best thing. My mum found out about the Havering Cadets and I joined 4 and half years ago.  

What has been the best part of being a cadet?

Before the accident I would have said taking part in activities like weapons sweeps or D of E camps. Taking part in these activities with my fellow cadets and the Staff leaders was a fun challenge that we would complete together. We were working with PC’s from the Met to make our environment a safer place.  Now, by far the best part is the support me and my family have been given. Staff Kiddle and Staff Rowe went to my house the day after the accident to support my mum and brother, they visited me in hospital and the Cadets sent me videos of support and cards with well wishes.  Being part of the Met Team is the best part by far.

What skills have you learnt from being a cadet?

I have learnt how to navigate, how to work as part of a team, how to make fast decisions, how to deal with aggressive people, stop and search rules, how to read Miranda rights amongst many others. I have also learnt how to be more confident in my own decisions.

What has been the toughest challenge you have had being a cadet?

Completing my Bronze D of E.  The weather was horrendous, rainy and cold and the food was awful.  But in hindsight it gives us more to laugh about.

Will you go on to join the police after school?

Yes, absolutely. I have to redo my A Level exam year as I missed too much whilst in recovery but I am already discussing with Staff Kiddle at Cadets what opportunities there are for me. I am particularly interested in forensics and intelligence but have an open mind as the opportunities are endless.