Youth Cadet/Explorer Posts,
To continue expanding our program and fostering strong relationships between law enforcement agencies and youth across the nation, the Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association (NERLEEA) is excited to announce the opening of registration for the 2025 Cadet Police Academy. We invite all law enforcement agencies interested in attending to join us for this unique and immersive experience.
The Academy will be held at Westfield State University in Massachusetts from July 20 – July 26, 2025.
The NERLEEA Cadet Police Academy brings together approximately 500 participants for an intensive, week-long, in-residence, para-military boot camp-style training academy. This program provides a comprehensive and challenging introduction to modern law enforcement.
Cadets will gain hands-on exposure to real-world police work. Each training level is a one-week program designed to build discipline, teamwork, and law enforcement skills.
If you are interested in attending from outside our three primary states (Massachusetts/New York/Connecticut), you do not need to register as a permanent NERLEEA member. Instead, your agency will be assigned a NERLEEA liaison who will assist with travel arrangements, lodging, paperwork, and registration to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Academy Costs for Non-NERLEEA Agencies:
- Youth & Adult Non-Member Tuition: $715.00
- Transportation: To be arranged by your agency
- Lodging Before or After Academy: To be arranged by your agency
For more information, please visit our website at:
[ACADEMY WEBSITE]
If your agency is interested in attending, please contact Fairfield CT Police Sgt. Richard Peck at nerleea.web@gmail.com to be assigned a liaison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my child need to be a member of a cadet/explorer post to attend?
A: Yes, your child must be an active member of a registered cadet/explorer post with NERLEEA. Cadets must be accompanied by an advisor who will remain on campus throughout the academy.
Q: Where do cadets report on the first day, and when?
A: Parents are not permitted on campus until graduation (the final day). Each agency’s advisor will arrange for their cadets to arrive as a unit at a designated time, determined after registration closes.
Q: Can I visit my cadet during the week?
A: No, parents are not allowed on campus until graduation day.
Q: Are meals provided? What if my cadet has dietary restrictions?
A: Tuition includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted during registration. Food trucks are also available during evening activities, but purchases are not included in tuition. We recommend cadets bring cash or a debit/credit card for these occasions.
Q: Is housing provided?
A: Yes! Cadets and advisors are housed in modern, air-conditioned dormitories. Cadets are grouped by program, age, and gender, with 24/7 advisor supervision on each floor. Bedding is NOT provided—please review the full packing list for details.
Q: Is the academy physically and mentally challenging?
A: Yes. The academy is structured to push cadets physically and mentally. However, NERLEEA believes in the resilience of our youth members and provides the support necessary for them to overcome these challenges. By the end of the week, cadets leave stronger, more disciplined, and more confident.
Q: Is it all work?
A: No! While the training is intense, cadets also get time to unwind. The academy offers evening entertainment, including dances, DJs, live music, and games. Parents can follow their cadet’s experience through photos and videos posted on social media throughout the week.
Q: Who runs the academy?
A: The academy is operated by the NERLEEA Executive Board, with over 100 police officers and professionals serving as staff. Most staff members are law enforcement advisors who oversee cadet programs.
Q: Who are the instructors?
A: Instructors are selected by academy program directors and are experts in their respective fields, with many holding state certifications. Some instructors volunteer their time to ensure cadets receive the highest-quality training available.
Q: Is the academy licensed?
A: Yes! The NERLEEA Cadet Police Academy is a licensed youth camp in Massachusetts and undergoes annual inspection by the state’s LBO. The camp fully complies with all Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) regulations. Parents may request information regarding background checks, health care, discipline policies, and grievance procedures.
Q: Is there a minimum/maximum number of cadets an agency can send?
A: There are no strict minimum or maximum requirements, but each agency must have a full-time advisor on campus for their attending cadets. Please refer to the Academy Director’s guidelines regarding staffing requirements.
Q: Where can I get more information, and how can my cadet prepare?
A: Download the Essential Skills Handbook (“What Every Cadet NEEDS to Know”) below.
For additional details or inquiries, contact Sgt. Richard Peck at nerleea.web@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming cadets and advisors to the 2025 NERLEEA Cadet Police Academy!