Ribbon cut on new Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at SUNY Niagara

Press Release and Photo by the Niagara County Public Information Office

The new Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy (NCLEA) is officially open following a ribbon-cutting Tuesday at the new facility located on the campus of SUNY Niagara. The building is a partnership between the county, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and SUNY Niagara, with funding for the $8.3 million project coming from both the county and state, along with a contribution from the City of Niagara Falls.

After a decade at Niagara University, the NCLEA relocated to SUNY Niagara in August 2021. The academy, jointly operated by the NCSO 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.

Niagara County Legislature Chairwoman Becky Wydysh said, “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. 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.”

SUNY Niagara President Lloyd A. Holmes said, “This fantastic new NCLEA facility is the result of the great partnership between the college, the county and the sheriff’s office. Together, we will provide unsurpassed training for those pursuing law enforcement careers, and unique learning opportunities for SUNY Niagara students studying criminal justice.”

Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti said, “It is only fitting that we cut the ribbon during the 50th anniversary of the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. We look forward to many years of this great facility providing high-quality training to new recruits and correction officers.”

The 14,000-square-foot building is highlighted by a virtual simulator for police response training, and a reality-based training area to prepare for active threats. The building also includes classrooms with movable walls and locker rooms.