NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. — A new building officially opened for the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy (NCLEA) on Tuesday. The NCLEA held a ribbon cutting at the new facility located on SUNY Niagara's campus.
The building is a partnership between the county, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and SUNY Niagara. The $8.3 million project was funded from both the county and state along with a contribution from the City of Niagara Falls.
“It is only fitting that we cut the ribbon during the 50th anniversary of the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy," Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti said. "We look forward to many years of this great facility providing high quality training to new recruits and correction officers."
In August of 2021, the NCLEA relocated to SUNY Niagara after the last decade at Niagara University. The Academy, jointly operated by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and the Niagara Falls Police Department, was previously located at SUNY Niagara from 1974 to 2011.
The academy trains newly hired police and corrections officers or those hoping to be hired by police agencies throughout Western New York.
“The Niagara County Legislature is committed to public safety and this investment will ensure we have a state-of-the-art academy that will provide the highest quality training for our future law enforcement officials," Niagara County Legislature Chairman Becky Wydysh said. "We want the very best and brightest in our Sheriff’s office and local police departments, and that starts with providing the right training opportunities.”
The 14,000 square-foot building features a virtual simulator for police response training and a reality-based training area to prepare for active threats. The new space also includes classrooms with movable walls and locker rooms.
“This fantastic new NCLEA facility is the result of the great partnership between the college, the county and the Sheriff’s Office," SUNY Niagara President Lloyd A. Holmes said. "Together, we will provide unsurpassed training for those pursuing law enforcement careers, and unique learning opportunities for SUNY Niagara students studying criminal justice.”