New volunteer police cadet base to open in honour of murdered Bulwell teenager

A new volunteer police cadet base is set to open in the coming weeks in Bulwell named in memory of murdered teenager Lyrico Steede.
Lyrico Steede.Lyrico Steede.
Lyrico Steede.

Nottinghamshire Police has been working with Crabtree Farm Community Centre, in Steadfold Close, and the National Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) to provide a new location for a Volunteer Police Cadet Base. The base is for junior volunteer police cadets aged 12 - 15 from Bulwell and the surrounding areas.

On Tuesday (May 14) between 6pm and 7pm there will be a recruitment event.

The base has been named in memory of Lyrico who was stabbed on February 13, 2018, and died 5 days later.

Lyrico Steede.Lyrico Steede.
Lyrico Steede.

The attack happened about half a mile away from the community centre. The cadets is a voluntary youth engagement programme which includes learning about the police, personal and community safety, sporting events, trips away and other activities.

On Tuesday there will be free refreshments as well as information on the cadets programme and an opportunity to sign up to become a Volunteer Police Cadet.

The expansion of the police cadets has been funded by a yearly budget from Nottinghamshire Police's citizens in policing department, but the force have also received additional funding from the National Volunteer Police Cadets via The Youth United Foundation.

Chief Inspector Suk Verma, head of the force's citizens in policing department, said “We want to create a legacy for Lyrico and help people to remember him in a positive way. We want to help young people in the area to become good citizens and to make positive life choices.

"I am excited for this base, as I believe that it will offer a valuable opportunity for the police and young community to build strong relationships for the future”.

Romel Davis, volunteer police cadet engagement officer, said: “The positive engagement team within the police have been working with vulnerable young people, of which some will become part of the police cadets.

"The aim is to encourage young people to follow the right path and inspire them to make good decisions that will help to influence them in the future.

“The tragic death of Lyrico and many others in the last few years can be attributed to many things including young people being misguided. Encouraging young people in the area to join the cadets or visit the recruitment evening we hope will solve some of the local obstacles.”

Keishaye Steede, Lyrico's mother, added: “It’s an absolute honour to have The cadet school named in memory of Lyrico. I believe that this is a great start for those young individuals who are looking for change. It’s really a positive movement!”