NERLEEA HISTORY

1973

In 1973, the Boy Scouts of America introduced exploring programs as a means of providing young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20 with interactive, worksite-based career education programs. These programs, which were focused on a single career field, were sponsored by local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and were organized into units called clubs or posts.

1991

In 1991, the Boy Scouts of America announced the creation of Learning for Life, a separate subsidiary that combined the individual exploring career programs under one organization. One of the most popular programs within this organization was Law Enforcement Exploring, also known as “Police Explorers,” which allowed young adults to explore a career in law enforcement by working with local law enforcement agencies. The BSA organized national and local Law Enforcement Exploring conferences, competitions, camps, and academies.

1992

Connecticut explorer posts organized and hosted their first regional competition called Stations Day in 1992, which was a model for the modern-day annual CT Police Cadet Stations Day competition.

2004

In 2004, the North East Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association (NERLEEA) was founded by John Visone to provide a program specifically designed for law enforcement explorers or cadet programs. NERLEEA launched a network of law enforcement cadet programs in the northeast region of the country, providing leadership training, advisor training, and event management. Stations Day has been officially dedicated to Advisor Visone, who passed away on July 14th, 2020.

2010

During the days of BSA before NERLEEA was founded, our advisors were responsible for organizing and overseeing the annual CT Explorer Academy, which was held at various locations, including Westover Airforce Base, Mitchell College, and Eastern Connecticut State University. In 2010, NERLEEA initiated its first residential academy, now known as the Cadet Police Academy, at the University of Hartford, which was held annually until 2018.

2021

In 2021, NERLEEA started conducting POST-C accredited Advisor Development Seminars to offer the latest training to advisors. Over one hundred police officers have now been trained in the latest practices, and the organization continues to grow.

2022

NERLEEA made a remarkable comeback in 2022, returning to Westfield State University for the first Cadet Police Academy in two years. This event was a tremendous success, and it was heartening to see so many young people enthusiastic about learning about law enforcement and public safety. This academy also marked the beginning of a new era of collaboration between NERLEEA and Westfield State University, with plans to use this venue for the Cadet Police Academy for the foreseeable future.

Westfield State University demonstrated its commitment to NERLEEA’s cadets by authorizing admission for any cadet who attended the 2022 Cadet Police Academy and met the university’s educational requirements. They also offered a substantial scholarship to these cadets, demonstrating their dedication to supporting the next generation of law enforcement professionals and public safety.