NERLEEA CADET POLICE ACADEMY
2026 July 12-18
NERLEEA hosts a week-long, annual paramilitary-style Cadet Police Academy that attracts nearly 500 cadets and over 100 police officers and staff. The academy delivers intensive law enforcement training through six distinct programs, each progressively more challenging as returning cadets advance year after year.
ACADEMY PROGRAMS
BASIC PROGRAM
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: OFFICER THOMAS HUESTIS – GREENWICH PD
ADVANCED PROGRAM
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
PRACTICAL SKILLS PROGRAM
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
CADET POLICE DEPARTMENT PROGRAM
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 David Mocarsky - New Britain
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (PHASE 4)
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
BIKE PROGRAM
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
SUPPORT UNITS
MEDICAL UNIT
NERLEEA has a dedicated medical unit comprised of highly trained nurses, EMTs, and paramedics who are available around the clock to provide medical assistance to cadets in case of illness or injury during their training. Although serious injuries are rare, NERLEEA takes stringent safety measures to protect its youth members, and the medical unit is always available to attend to minor scrapes and bruises. Without them, our academy would not be possible. Medical Director: SERGEANT TIMOTHY FEDOR – TRUMBULL PD
ENTERTAINMENT UNIT
The entertainment team works tirelessly all year round to create engaging and stimulating evening activities for our cadets. These activities include video game trailers, inflatable obstacle courses, waterslides, hypnotists, and live music at nightly dances. In addition, the entertainment staff regularly captures photos and videos of our cadets to post on social media platforms, allowing parents to follow their children’s activities throughout the week and witness the fun they are having. Entertainment Director: ADVISOR TREMELL COLLINS
RANGE SAFETY UNIT
Our team of highly trained firearms instructors ensures the safety of each cadet who steps up to the firing line and teaches them to respect firearms. Handling firearms is an essential skill for police officers, and NERLEEA believes that it is important to expose its youth members to proper firearm-handling techniques and skills that will benefit them as they enter the field of law enforcement. Unfortunately, NERLEEA has been unable to provide a firearms training program since 2020 due to circumstances beyond our control. As the proper use of firearms is a critical aspect of law enforcement, NERLEEA is continuously exploring ways to reintroduce this practical and necessary part of our academy experience. Range Program Director: TBD
2025 GRADUATION VIDEO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Cadets must be active members of a cadet or explorer post registered with NERLEEA. Each attending agency must have an advisor present on campus for the duration of the academy.
Yes. Agencies outside our regular area of operations are welcome. Programs outside Connecticut, New York, or Massachusetts should review the Letter to Outside Posts before registering.
Yes. The NERLEEA Cadet Police Academy is licensed and inspected as a youth camp by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Local Board of Health in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations.
Parents have the right to review background check procedures, health care policies, discipline policies, and grievance procedures upon request.
YOUTH CAMP LICENSED AND INSPECTED BY THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS LBO
THIS CAMP MUST COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS OF MDPH AND BE LICENSED BY LBHO
Cadets are responsible for preparing before arrival by completing the following:
- Review the CPA Essential Skills Handbook
- Review the Recommended Packing List
- Review their program-specific letter (see above) outlining required equipment
- Watch the Academy Hydration, Nutrition, and Health Video
Cadets will be held to the standards outlined in the Essential Skills Handbook and are expected to arrive properly prepared.
Cadets must pack according to the Recommended Packing List and any program-specific equipment requirements listed in their program director’s letter.
Cadets are responsible for packing according to their personal needs and required training equipment.
Uniform and equipment requirements vary by program. Each program director has issued a letter outlining required equipment and uniform standards.
Please review your program letter and the general packing list for details.
Your agency’s lead advisors will coordinate transportation and assigned drop-off times and locations.
Parents may NOT drop cadets off on campus or enter dormitory buildings without explicit permission from academy administrative staff due to security protocols.
Cadets may not bring personal vehicles to campus, regardless of age.
No. Parents are not permitted on campus during the week due to security protocols.
Parents are welcome to return for graduation on the final day.
Graduation will be held at the academy at Westfield State University.
Cadets will receive the exact time and location prior to the ceremony.
Upon arrival, parents should proceed directly to the graduation venue. Parents are not permitted to enter dormitory buildings at any time.
Yes. Cadets and advisors are housed in modern, air-conditioned dormitories.
Housing assignments are based on program, age, and gender. Advisors supervise cadets on each floor.
Bedding is not provided, so cadets must bring their own.
Tuition includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated if reported during registration.
Evening food trucks may be available during activities. These purchases and purchases at our academy store are not included in tuition, so cadets should bring spending money if they wish to participate.
Yes. Cell phones are permitted but may be restricted during training hours and formations.
Devices are typically allowed during dormitory downtime. The academy is not responsible for lost or damaged electronics.
Parents and guardians should obtain contact information for their agency’s assigned academy advisor before departure. Your advisor is your primary point of contact during the week.
If you cannot reach your advisor, email nerleea.web@gmail.com. This account is monitored daily from 0800 to 2200 hours.
In the event of a serious emergency and you cannot reach your advisor or academy staff, contact Westfield State University Public Safety at 413-572-5262, and they will notify academy leadership.
All medications must be turned over to academy medical staff during check-in.
Medications must:
- Be in the original prescription container
- Not be expired
- Have a label that matches the information listed on the registration form
The academy is staffed 24 hours a day with certified EMS professionals and is located near medical facilities.
If hospital transport becomes necessary, the nearest hospital is:
Baystate Noble Hospital
115 W Silver St
Westfield, MA 01085
Parents or guardians will be notified immediately if a cadet requires hospital transport.
Schedules vary by program, but cadets generally follow this structure:
- Wake up: 0600 hours
- Morning formation: 0800 hours
- Evening formation: 1800 hours
- Lights out: approximately 2300 hours after evening activities and room inspections
Housing assignments are made based on program, age, and gender. The goal is for cadets to meet new people and develop new friendships that can last a lifetime.
Yes. The academy is designed to challenge cadets physically and mentally while emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
No. Evening recreation activities such as music, games, and social events are organized throughout the week to allow cadets time to relax after training.
Families can also follow academy activities through photos and updates posted on social media.
Follow us on Facebook for live updates, photos, and videos from the academy.
You can also watch the 2025 Cadet Police Academy Graduation Video to see what the ceremony is like.
Cadets are held to the standards outlined in the CPA Essential Skills Handbook.
The academy’s primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of all cadets and staff. Conduct that jeopardizes a safe learning environment will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action or dismissal.
Yes. Massachusetts requires annual background checks for all youth camp staff in accordance with state regulations.
Indoor facilities and alternative training locations are available if severe weather occurs.
Because the academy takes place in July, high temperatures are common. Cadets must review the Hydration, Nutrition, and Health Video before arrival to ensure they are prepared for long days of training in warm conditions.
The academy is led by the NERLEEA Executive Board and supported by more than 100 police officers and professionals serving as staff and advisors.
Instructors are selected by program directors based on their expertise. Many hold state certifications and volunteer their time to ensure cadets receive current and professional training.
There is no set limit on the number of cadets an agency may send.
However, each agency must ensure that a full-time advisor is present on campus to supervise their cadets.
For general academy questions:
nerleea.web@gmail.com
For medical-related questions:
nerleea.medical@gmail.com