Youth Cadet/Explorer Posts,
To expand our program and establish strong ties between law enforcement agencies and youth members from throughout our great country, the Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association has decided to open registration for the 2024 Cadet Police Academy to all law enforcement agencies who wish to attend.
The Academy will be at Westfield State University in Massachusetts from July 14th, 2023 – July 20th, 2024.
The NERLEEA Cadet Police Academy brings together approximately 500 participants for a week-long, in-residence, para-military boot camp-style training academy. The Academy is a comprehensive and challenging experience in law enforcement.
Cadets will receive broad exposure to modern-day police work. Each level is a one-week program and takes the entire week to complete. If you are interested in attending and are from outside our three primary states (Massachusetts/New York/Connecticut), there is no need to register permanently as a member of NERLEEA. If your program wishes to attend, you will be assigned a NERLEEA liaison who will work with you to determine the best options to make your time with us educational and stress-free. Your NERLEEA liaison will help arrange travel, lodging, paperwork, and registration.
The cost of the Academy for non-NERLEEA agencies is as follows:
Youth AND Adult non-member tuition: $715.00
Transportation: To be arranged by your agency
Lodging before or after Academy: To be set by your agency.
For further information, please visit our website at:
If you want to discuss your possible attendance at this year’s Academy, please email Fairfield CT Police Sgt Richard Peck at nerleea.web@gmail.com to be assigned a liaison.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.