New cadets will initially be enrolled in the Basic Program, which is intended to establish a solid groundwork of ethics, teamwork, and discipline. The program is a rigorous, classroom-based week that is both physically and mentally demanding, serving as a foundation for the cadet’s journey through the Cadet Police Academy. For the duration of the program, highly motivated police officers serve as Basic Program Drill Instructors (DIs), running a paramilitary-style training program. Upon arrival, cadets are organized into squads, with DIs taking charge of each squad (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta) to commence basic training. Throughout the week, the cadet’s squad becomes like their family, enduring challenges together and celebrating successes as a team. Cadets attend 2-4 law enforcement classes daily, participate in squad drill and ceremony training, engage in physical fitness training, and collaborate to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The program is intentionally designed to be challenging and, at times, uncomfortable, as cadets are broken down to be rebuilt stronger than ever before.

Basic Program Director:
SERGEANT KEVIN ALBOHN – STRATFORD PD

The Advanced Program is a week-long session of classes and competitions that builds upon the foundation established in the Basic Program. It also serves as the competition phase of the Cadet Police Academy. Throughout the week, cadets attend classes that cover a range of topics, from forensics to building clearing. On the last day of the academy, cadets draw upon their knowledge from both the Basic and Advanced programs to complete a final practical and written exam. They put their skills to the test in graded scenarios and compete for awards at graduation, recognizing their outstanding abilities.

Advanced Program Director:
DETECTIVE ISRAEL MANTILLA – HARTFORD PD

The Practical Skills Program, also known as PSP, is aimed at providing cadets with hands-on experience and the necessary skills to pursue a career in law enforcement. The program covers a range of topics, including ASP Baton training, handcuffing, arrest warrant writing, report writing, radio procedures, physical fitness training, officer safety, and handgun/weapon retention. This program can be physically and mentally exhausting at times and requires full cooperation from cadets. Instructors do not offer special treatment or supervision; instead, they dedicate themselves to pushing cadets beyond their limits and accomplishing the seemingly impossible. The program aims to prepare cadets for the Mock PD, Bike Program, and even the Career Development Program. Success in the program requires diligent studying, practice, and asking relevant questions.

PSP Director:
SERGEANT MARK HALLBAUER – EAST LYME PD

The Cadet Police Department strives to teach cadets the practical aspects of police work by immersing them in realistic situations that mirror those experienced by actual officers. The program instills in cadets a sense of determination to uphold the law and serve their community. During mock patrol shifts (days and eves), cadets respond to calls for service scenarios that range from minor incidents to complex critical situations, crafted by experienced law enforcement officers. The Cadet Police Department: First Year builds on the foundation laid in earlier programs, challenging cadets to apply their skills in a controlled yet demanding environment. Through roleplaying scenarios, cadets learn to navigate the decision-making process and perform duties such as making arrests and processing paperwork. The Cadet Police Department: Second Year offers cadets the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the department as investigators or administrators, and tackling responsibilities from budgeting to investigations as they lead a diverse Mock Police Department.

Mock PD Program Director:
SERGEANT JEFFREY FOSS-RUGAN – ROCKY HILL PD (AKA TONY DAYTONA-SPELLED LIKE NASCAR)

The Career Development program, formerly known as “Phase 4,” is known for its rigorous mental and physical challenges. It serves as a crucial assessment of a Cadet’s readiness for a career in law enforcement, demanding both physical and mental preparation to bolster their suitability for the field. The program fosters teamwork and camaraderie among Cadets, forging lifelong friendships and culminating in their induction into the esteemed “Phase 4” family upon completion.

Career Development Program Director:
TROOPER FIRST CLASS WAYNE TATE – CONNECTICUT STATE POLICE

The Police Mountain Bike program provides the training and expertise to operate and maintain a police mountain bike. This program is for explorers who wish to challenge themselves by completing the same training that certified police officers partake in when becoming certified in patrol bicycle operations. This is the smallest program in the academy because it is extremely challenging. The cadets who finish the week will have ridden an average of twenty miles per day.

Bike Program Director:
K9 OFFICER KEVIN WELLS – FAIRFIELD PD