Welcome Letter From The NERLEEA Director
Dear Agency Leadership and Advisors,
On behalf of the Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Education Association and myself, I want to welcome you to the area’s leading organization for youth law enforcement education. You are joining a family that has existed for more than 50 years, a family that prides ourselves on Leadership, Integrity and Excellence.
Our mission is to deliver exceptional education and opportunities to youth cadets who are interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement. We provide valuable resources for our adult advisors to guide and mentor our cadets while upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
As a former New Britain Police Explorer who attended all programs and now as the elected Director of NERLEEA, I want to personally share with you that this program will not only help your Cadet Program grow and thrive, but we will help you to mold your cadets into the much needed “ready to hire” police candidates that are needed by so many communities. I am proud to note that NERLEEA has helped more than 250 Cadets graduate to certified law enforcement positions in the industry.
The programming that we offer is not offered anywhere else in the United States of America. Whether you are just forming your post or Cadet Program or you have existed with your department, we offer events and programming for all. From our one of a kind week long Cadet Police Academy Summer camp to our hands-on training and competition events like Stations Day, The Tactical Challenge or Skills Day, or even teambuilding social events, we have an event for every level of Cadet.
Again, thank you for joining one of the strongest youth organizations in the Northeast region. I look forward to meeting you at one or all of the events and training sessions that we offer. The networking and teambuilding opportunities at these events for our Cadets is incredible and makes a difference.
Thank you for taking the time to care about our Cadets!
Director Robert Smedley
North East Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association
Professionalism, Honor, Excellence
NERLEEA ONBOARDING
Welcome to NERLEEA
Thank you for joining NERLEEA and for your continued dedication to supporting your agency’s youth law enforcement program. Below is all the information you need to get started.
NERLEEA is committed to delivering high-quality training and opportunities for Cadets pursuing careers in law enforcement, as well as equipping Advisors with the resources needed to mentor, lead, and inspire. Our events including the Cadet Police Academy, Skills Day, Stations Day, Cadet Tactical Challenge, and various leadership development programs designed to promote professionalism, honor, and excellence.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact any member of the NERLEEA Executive Board.
We’re excited to welcome you and look forward to supporting your efforts!
Advisor Resources
On the main Advisor Page, you will find:
- Event registration links
- Roster Manager access
- Youth Protection Training
- Important NERLEEA documents
- Insurance information
- Sample policy manuals
- Meeting minutes
- Lead Advisor directory for networking within your region
Please contact your agency lead advisor or nerleea.web@gmail.com for the advisor page password.
Annual Unit Registration
Unit registrations are due by January 1st each year.
Submissions received after February 1st will incur a $10 monthly late fee.
Complete the NERLEEA Unit Application at: https://nerleea.org/annual-unit-application/
After submitting, print your confirmation email and mail it with payment to:
PO Box 1
Hartford, CT 06141
Online Cadet/Advisor Registration
Online registration through the Roster Manager platform is required.
A NERLEEA ID Number, needed to register both cadets and advisors, is generated only after online registration is completed.
Please contact your agency lead advisor or nerleea.web@gmail.com for your program’s Roster Manager password.
Youth Protection Requirements
All adult advisors must complete Youth Protection Training and pass the online test every two years before participating in any cadet activities, including meetings.
Training is available on the NERLEEA website:
Youth Protection Training Link
Stay Updated
Download the free BAND app to receive notifications about upcoming events, training opportunities, and important deadlines.
Advisor Development Seminar
NERLEEA hosts an annual Advisor Development Seminar designed for all advisors, with a particular focus on those who are new to the role or are just starting a youth program. Participation is open to everyone, you do not need to be part of an active NERLEEA program to attend.
This training is offered at no cost and provides POST-C credits for Connecticut officers as well as a certificate of completion for out-of-state advisors.
It is highly recommended that every advisor attend this seminar at least once during their tenure to ensure a strong foundation in youth law enforcement education and mentorship.
Uniform / Equipment
Vendors by Region
Using This Vendor Directory
This directory helps Cadet Advisors quickly locate trusted
uniform and duty gear vendors regionally or online.
How to Navigate
- Use the tabs on the left to select your region or vendor type.
- Each listing includes address, phone number, website.
- “Online Retailers” includes the most common nationwide suppliers.
Recommendations for Advisors
- Call vendors ahead to confirm stock and pricing.
- Ask about cadet or bulk order discounts.
- Check that items meet agency uniform & safety requirements.
- Support local vendors when possible.
Notes
Listings are provided as a resource for NERLEEA programs. Vendor pricing and inventory may change, so verify details directly.
If you have any resources that you would like to share please notify nerleea.web@gmail.com to add to this list. Together we can make youth law enforcement education accessible to all youth interested in our profession.
Capitol Uniforms & Supply LLC
Address: 118 Cross Rd, Waterford, CT
Phone: (860) 439-0008
Website: https://www.capitoluniforms.com
New England Uniform Co. (Bridgeport)
Address: 2490 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT
Phone: (203) 333-0890
Website: https://www.newenglanduniform.com
Fairfield Uniform Company
Address: 1313 Connecticut Ave #1-4, Bridgeport, CT 06607
Phone: (203) 335-9941
Website: https://fairfielduniformcompany.com
DK Designs
Address: Trumbull, CT
Phone: (203) 395-3305
Website: https://www.dkdesignsct.com
New England Uniform Co. (Danbury)
Address: 375 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810
Phone: (203) 792-1123
Website: https://www.newenglanduniform.com
Connecticut Police Supply
Address: 1000 Willard Ave, Newington, CT 06111
Phone: (860) 667-2711
Website: http://www.ctpolicesupply.com
Security Uniforms Inc.
Address: 48 Broad St., New Britain, CT
Phone: (860) 224-1773
Website: https://securityuniformsinc.com
Guardian Uniform
Address: 1801 Page Blvd, Springfield, MA
Phone: (413) 543-6996
Website: https://guardianuniform.com
Nat’s Uniforms (Law Enforcement & Fire)
Address: 77 Main St, Chicopee, MA
Phone: (413) 594-3344
Website: https://www.natsuniforms.com
Mantis Graphics
Address: 28 Industrial Dr, Northampton, MA 01060
Phone: (413) 586-0999
Website: https://www.mantisgraphics.com
Alfi’s Uniforms
Address: 152 Windsor Highway, New Windsor, NY
Phone: (845) 561-2170
Website: https://alfisuniforms.com
Hudson Valley Uniforms & Equipment
Address: 280 Route 211 E, Middletown, NY
Phone: (845) 775-4210
Website: https://hudsonvalleyuniforms.com
Rescue Stuff
Address: 1019 Brown St, Peekskill, NY 10566
Phone: (914) 788-1990
Website: https://www.rescuestuff.com
Saratoga Police Supply
Address: 12 Ferry Blvd, Saratoga Springs, NY
Phone: (518) 584-7330
Website: https://saratogapolicesupply.com
POPULAR ONLINE RETAILERS
Galls
https://www.galls.com
5.11 Tactical
https://www.511tactical.com
Flying Cross
https://flyingcross.com
Propper
https://www.propper.com
Elbeco
https://www.elbeco.com
TRU-SPEC
https://www.truspec.com
Quartermaster
https://www.qmuniforms.com
LA Police Gear
https://lapolicegear.com
Hero’s Pride
https://www.herospride.com
Streicher’s
https://www.streichers.com
OfficerStore
https://www.officerstore.com
Patriot Outfitters
https://www.patriotoutfitters.com
DK Designs (custom department patches)
Address: Trumbull, CT
Phone: (203) 395-3305
Website: https://www.dkdesignsct.com
Pony Express (in stock NERLEEA patches and custom department patches)
Address: 51 Newport Dr, Waterbury, CT 06705
Phone: (203) 707-7877
Website: https://www.ponyexpressactivewear.com/
Ghost Patches (custom department patches)
Website: https://www.ghostpatch.com
Honest Coins LLC
Website: https://www.honestcoinsli.com/
Discount Trophy Awards Center
Address: 1052 Main St., East Hartford CT 06108
Phone: (860) 289-6900
Youth Law Enforcement Education Grants
Curated funding options for cadet, explorer, and police–youth education programs.
Always verify current eligibility, deadlines, and funding cycles before applying.
National Grants
OJJDP Funding Opportunities
Administered by: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
Formula and discretionary grants that support delinquency prevention, youth justice system improvement, and community-based programs involving law enforcement and youth.
- Typical use: Youth mentoring, diversion programs, police–youth initiatives, system reforms.
- Who can apply: States, local governments, tribes, and eligible nonprofits.
COPS Office Grants
Administered by: DOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Supports community policing, including school-based officers, problem-solving projects, and youth engagement efforts that build trust between police and young people.
- Typical use: Hiring officers, training, youth outreach projects, school–police partnerships.
- Who can apply: State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
National Police Association Grant Program
Administered by: National Police Association
Small annual grants (up to $1,000) to support law enforcement reserve divisions, explorers, cadets, chaplains, and other citizen–police partnership programs.
- Typical use: Cadet/explorer equipment, uniforms, training materials, outreach events.
- Who can apply: Law enforcement agencies and affiliated citizen-support programs.
Connecticut Grants
Police and Youth Program
Administered by: CT Office of Policy and Management (OPM) / Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC)
One-time grants to increase or enhance opportunities for youth and police to work together, including team-building, service projects, and recognition events.
- Typical use: Cadet programs, youth–police activities, community service projects.
- Who can apply: Local public agencies (police departments, youth bureaus, schools, etc.).
Juvenile Justice System Improvement Grants
Administered by: CT OPM / JJAC
Supports projects that improve Connecticut’s juvenile justice system and prevent delinquency, often including youth development and police–youth collaboration.
- Typical use: Evidence-based prevention, youth development, training, and system reforms.
- Who can apply: State and local agencies, and eligible partners as specified in each RFP.
School Police / Right Response CT Network
Administered by: CT OPM & partners
Program area that supports school–police collaboration, training, and youth engagement, with periodic funding opportunities listed under OPM’s grants.
- Typical use: SRO-related initiatives, school threat response, youth education and outreach.
- Who can apply: School districts, police departments, and youth-serving agencies.
New York Grants
Juvenile Justice Formula Grants
Administered by: NY Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
New York’s share of OJJDP formula funding, with a significant portion passed through to localities for delinquency prevention and juvenile justice system improvement.
- Typical use: Local youth justice initiatives, diversion, and police–youth projects.
- Who can apply: Eligible counties and local partners via DCJS subgrant solicitations.
Juvenile Accountability Block Grants (JABG)
Administered by: NY DCJS
Accountability-focused funding for programs that reduce juvenile offending and strengthen responses to youth crime, including collaboration with law enforcement.
- Typical use: Youth accountability programs, supervision, and system enhancements.
- Who can apply: Localities designated by DCJS through competitive or formula processes.
Supervision and Treatment Services for Juveniles Program (STSJP)
Administered by: NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
Supports community-based services designed to keep youth out of detention/placement and improve outcomes, often in coordination with probation and law enforcement partners.
- Typical use: Community supervision, treatment, and prevention services for at-risk youth.
- Who can apply: Counties and NYC through OCFS STSJP plans and applications.
Massachusetts Grants
MPTC Police Academy Scholarship Program
Administered by: MA Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC)
Scholarship program that offsets police academy tuition and related costs, helping create accessible pathways into law enforcement for qualified candidates.
- Typical use: Academy tuition, uniforms, and training-related expenses.
- Who can apply: Eligible recruits accepted into participating MPTC academies.
Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program
Administered by: MA Office of Student Financial Assistance
Educational grant for students who have lost a parent or spouse in the line of public service duty, including public safety officers.
- Typical use: Tuition and fees at eligible colleges and universities.
- Who can apply: Massachusetts residents meeting the program’s public service criteria.
Shannon Community Safety Initiative (CSI)
Administered by: MA Office of Grants and Research (OGR)
Statewide grant program funding multi-disciplinary efforts to address gang and youth violence, often including police, schools, and community organizations working together.
- Typical use: Youth outreach, prevention and intervention programs, coordinated enforcement.
- Who can apply: Eligible municipalities and regional partnerships across Massachusetts.
Equipment Recommendations
Equipment standards for cadet programs vary from agency to agency; however, the following guidelines will help ensure your cadets train safely and effectively across all NERLEEA events and activities.
Duty Belts
Duty belts should be either nylon or leather, consistent with common law-enforcement standards. Duty belts should be affixed to the cadet’s under-belt with either a Velcro system and/or belt keepers.
Holsters
Holsters must be injection-molded or leather.
Please avoid holsters similar to the example below—specifically those secured with Velcro straps. These can be easily torn off during weapons-retention drills, creating significant training concerns.
We recognize that quality holsters can be expensive. Before purchasing new equipment, we encourage you to:
- Consult your agency’s Training Division for possible trade-in holsters, and
- Contact your local police equipment supplier, as many offer free or discounted used holsters that remain safe and serviceable.
Handcuffs
Cadets must use high-quality, law-enforcement-approved handcuffs. Acceptable brands include:
Cadets frequently arrive with inexpensive knockoff cuffs (e.g., Viper or similar Amazon brands). These are NOT approved due to safety and reliability issues.
Training Weapons
Approved training guns include solid rubber Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange, or Pink models.
Airsoft guns are not permitted, and real firearms are strictly prohibited.
NERLEEA will provide Simunition, UTM, airsoft, or pellet training weapons when required for specific controlled scenarios.
Other Weapons
Cadets are prohibited from possessing:
- OC spray
- Knives of any kind
- Impact weapons (batons, saps, etc.)
NERLEEA’s insurance does not cover any incident arising from these weapons during non-NERLEEA or agency-run activities. For all NERLEEA events, such equipment is strictly forbidden.