Essex High Sheriff Honours Volunteer Police Cadet Leader
Essex High Sheriff Nick Alston has handed out a special certificate to PCSO JoJo Mitchell for her outstanding service to the community. The award, given at the Thurrock Volunteer Police Cadets (VPCs) passing out parade, recognises her “great and valuable services” and the appreciation of local residents.
High Sheriff Praises Thurrock VPC Unit
During his year in office, Nick Alston praised the Thurrock Volunteer Police Cadet Unit for their strong support, including help at last year’s Essex High Sheriff Awards ceremony. He visited the unit with Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner to inspect the cadets and personally present the award to JoJo.
“I was delighted to present a High Sheriff’s personal award to PCSO JoJo Mitchell. I have great respect for the volunteer leaders of the VPC scheme and I commend them all,” said Alston.
“I am particularly grateful to the Thurrock unit, led by JoJo, which has supported me enthusiastically during my year as High Sheriff.”
JoJo Mitchell: From PCSO to Inspirational Leader
JoJo Mitchell, a police community support officer with Thurrock Community Policing Team, has served as the unit leader since 2017. She leads 24 cadets aged 13 to 17, with a new intake scheduled for September.
She described the award as “pleased, surprised and extremely humbled,” but stressed the recognition belongs to the entire volunteer leadership team who work hard to develop the cadets’ skills, confidence, and self-awareness.
“I’m very grateful that the work our inspirational young people in Thurrock VPC Unit and the leadership team dedicate their time has been recognised,” said JoJo.
“I am thankful for the continued support of the High Sheriff and my bosses in the force for the Cadets and the VPC scheme itself.”
Thurrock VPCs Backing Police in the Community
The Thurrock Volunteer Police Cadets help local officers with community engagement projects and operations, such as speed checks and test purchasing to prevent sales of prohibited goods to under-18s. Their work strengthens local policing and keeps the community safer.
