Cadet / Cadet Post Advisors:

For those of you I have not had the privilege to meet, my name is Trooper First Class Wayne Tate, and I will be the program director for the NERLEEA Cadet Academy “Career Development Program.” This letter is for any Advisors who plan on having one of their Cadets attend the Career Development Program.  As such, I want to make sure that your Cadets are aware of the Cadres’ expectations and the challenges the program offers.

The Career Development program, previously known as “Phase 4”, is often considered the Cadet Academy’s most mentally and physically demanding program. To be accepted into the Career Development Program, your Cadet must pass the “Cooper Physical Fitness Test.” Males will need to be able to complete 38 sit-ups and 29 push-ups in one minute, a 300-meter run in 59 seconds, and a 1.5-mile run in 12:38 seconds. Females will need to be able to complete 32 sit-ups and 15 push-ups in one minute, a 300-meter run in 71 seconds, and a 1.5-mile run in 14:50 seconds. Additionally, any Cadet entering the program needs to be 18 years old or older.

The Career Development program offers a true barometer for a Cadet’s suitability to enter the law enforcement field. It requires both physical and mental preparation and is designed to constantly challenge the Cadets’ physical and emotional fortitude. The main goal of the Career Development Program is to prepare the Cadets for the law enforcement application process and the police academy that will follow employment.

Throughout the week, the Cadets will understand that this program is not about them but their team. Throughout the week, lifelong friendships will be made, and after the week, they will join an elite group of graduates known as the “Phase 4” family. To assist in the success of your Cadet, please have them arrive at the Academy with the minimum of the following equipment:

  1. A typed current “Resume” accessible on a memory stick, and by email. Print out and bring an additional copy.
  2. A typed “Cover Letter” is completed as if they are applying for an open position as an entry-level police officer. Address the cover letter to the Career Development Cadre. Print out and bring a copy – also have this accessible on a memory stick or by email.
  3. (1) Pair of dark-colored athletic shorts, (2) White T-Shirts (females should additionally bring a black T-Shirt), (2) Pairs of running shoes, (1) Pair of flip flops/shower shoes, (1) Pair BDU style pants/cargo pants, (1) Swimsuit, sunscreen, toiletries, boot shining equipment, a simple wrist watch, cellphone, and a mouth guard. This is the minimal required equipment. Other clothing and equipment, such as bed sheets, pillows, socks, undergarments, graduation uniform, etc., are also highly recommended and should be brought at the discretion of their post Advisors. NO VALUABLES SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THIS PROGRAM (i.e., Jewelry, Money, Earphones, Tablets, etc). The Cadre is not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen items.
  4. Before arrival, complete the writing exercises that will be posted in addition to this letter. Have your Cadets store a copy of the assignments on their memory stick and email them to themselves. Cadets will also need to bring an additional printed copy of these documents. (These writing exercises should be completed by the Cadet with no direction from other Cadets or Advisors).

I thank you in advance for your cooperation and should you have any question, please feel free to contact me at any time – Waynedtate@gmail.com.