In an effort to expand our reach and foster meaningful connections between law enforcement agencies and youth programs from across the country, the Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association (NERLEEA) is excited to offer agencies the opportunity to attend the annual NERLEEA Cadet Police Academy.

We happened to notice that your agency maintains an active presence on social media, including engagement with some of our member agencies and events. With that in mind, we wanted to reach out directly and share information about this unique and rewarding program.

The NERLEEA Cadet Police Academy is generally held in mid-July each year at Westfield State University in Westfield, Massachusetts. This week-long, in-residence, para-military style academy brings together nearly 500 participants from across the country for a challenging and immersive law enforcement training experience. The program focuses on teamwork, leadership development, and exposure to modern policing practices.

Participation is open to any law enforcement agency, regardless of location. Agencies outside of our traditional membership area (Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut) are welcome to attend without the need for full NERLEEA membership. Agencies that register will be assigned a dedicated liaison to assist with registration, travel planning, and logistical questions.

Tuition typically averages around $700 per person but may vary slightly from year to year depending on venue costs. Final pricing and official registration dates are posted annually on the NERLEEA website.

Additional details, including registration forms and program resources, can be found at: ACADEMY WEBSITE

If you want to discuss your possible attendance at this year’s Academy, please email Fairfield CT Police Sgt Richard Peck at [email protected] to be assigned a liaison.

Q: Does my child have to be a member of a cadet/explorer post to attend?
A: Yes, your child must be an active member with a cadet/explorer post registered with NERLEEA. Cadets must be accompanied by an advisor who will be on campus throughout the academy.

Q: Where do I bring my cadet for the first day, and when?
A: Parents are not permitted to be on campus until graduation (the last day). Agency advisors should arrange for cadets to arrive as a unit at their designated time, determined after registration is closed.

Q: Can I visit my cadet?
A: No, Parents are not permitted to be on campus until graduation (the last day).

Q: Are meals provided? What if my cadet has dietary restrictions?
A: Academy tuition covers all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). All dietary restrictions can be accommodated so long as parents notify the academy staff ahead of time during registration. It’s important to note that food trucks are available during evening activities, but their offerings are not included in the tuition. We suggest cadets bring spending cash or a card for these occasions.

Q: Is housing provided?
A: Absolutely! We accommodate all cadets and advisors in our venue’s modern, air-conditioned dormitories. Cadets are grouped by program, age, and gender, with constant supervision provided by advisors on each floor. Bedding is NOT provided (please see full packing list for further information).

Q: Is the academy challenging and stressful?
A: The academy is deliberately structured to push our youth members physically and mentally. However, at NERLEEA, we firmly believe in their capacity to conquer these challenges. Despite the hurdles they may face, we guarantee that by surmounting personal obstacles and working alongside their fellow cadets as a team, they will leave our academy as an entirely better version of themselves.

Q: Is it all work?
A: No, the cadet police academy isn’t just about work. The entertainment team organizes free evening activities every night, such as dances, DJs, live music, and games to help cadets relax and have fun after long training days. Parents can also follow their children’s activities through photos and videos on social media.

Q: Who is the academy staff?
A: The leadership of the academy is comprised of the NERLEEA Executive Board. Our staff, consisting of over 100 police officers and professionals, is primarily made up of advisors from agencies with cadets in attendance. These staff members are organized into programs based on their expertise. Staff is charged with the responsibility of creating and implementing educational experiences for all cadets while prioritizing the safety of our youth members.

Q: Who are the instructors?
A: The instructors are meticulously chosen by academy program directors and are acknowledged authorities in their respective fields of instruction. The vast majority of them hold state certifications. Additionally, instructors who are not part of the academy staff volunteer their time to ensure cadets receive the most current training available.

Q: Is the academy licensed?
A: The NERLEEA Cadet Police Academy is designated as a youth camp by the state of Massachusetts. As such, we are completely licensed and inspected by the state of Massachusetts LBO yearly. This camp complies with all MDPH regulations.  Parents have the right to review background checks, health care, discipline policies, and grievance procedures upon request.

Q: Is there a minimum/maximum requirement for cadets and advisors per agency?
A: There are no specific minimum or maximum limits for cadets. However, agencies must ensure a full-time advisor is present on campus at all times to oversee the attending cadets. Advisors, please refer to the document from the Academy Director 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.