Cayuga Community College, Oswego County Open New Regional Police Academy

Elected and police officials joined Cayuga Community College leaders to celebrate the new Oswego County Regional Police Academy on Wednesday, saying the facility will have an immediate impact in meeting the needs of law enforcement and regional communities.

Local lawmakers and representatives from federal and state officials joined Cayuga President Dr. Brian Durant to officially open the academy, which is located on the College’s Fulton Campus. Under construction for approximately one year, the academy is already in operation, with a class of cadets currently completing training.

Along with supporting local law enforcement agencies, the academy will create greater opportunities for students in Cayuga’s Criminal Justice A.S. program, one of the College’s most successful programs.

“The Oswego County Regional Police Academy is the result of a shared vision between Cayuga Community College and Oswego County, one that will provide excellent training for our law enforcement community. It will also connect students in our Criminal Justice program to training opportunities, enhancing their experience and preparing them for diverse career possibilities,” said Dr. Durant. “I want to thank the Oswego County Legislature and Sheriff Hilton for their steadfast support for this project.”

“The Oswego County Regional Police Academy fills a critical need in our region, allowing future police officers to prepare for a career in law enforcement at a state-of-the-art facility,” said Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup. “Through rigorous training and instruction, academy students learn the skills necessary to best respond to challenges and help keep our communities safe. We’re pleased to see this project come to fruition and look forward to seeing generations of law enforcement officers complete the academy.”

“We are thankful for this collaboration with Cayuga Community College and we look forward to the opportunities this brings for our community,” said Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton.

The Oswego County Legislature was one of the foremost supporters of the academy, awarding the College $400,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for the construction. The academy, which also received significant support from the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, represents a substantial investment in providing the future law enforcement workforce with an exceptional training facility.

The academy features space for lecture instruction, physical training, and a virtual simulator to provide trainees with opportunities to experience different scenarios they may see as members of law enforcement. The academy is staffed by members of the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, the Fulton and Oswego City Police Departments, and instructors from police agencies in surrounding counties.

Having the academy on-campus will allow Cayuga students to simultaneously earn their degree and complete Phase I of the academy while connecting with local law enforcement. Through these conversations and trainings, students will identify potential career paths and the steps necessary to reach those professions. At the same time, connecting the academy with students will support local law enforcement agencies with a regularly graduating pool of qualified candidates.

Cayuga has offered one of the top associate’s degree programs in Criminal Justice in New York State for more than 50 years. The College previously offered separate programs dedicated to Corrections or Police, but in the past two years unveiled a new A.S. program that provides students with a transfer-oriented curriculum.

For more details on the College’s Criminal Justice A.S. program, visit https://www.cayuga-cc.edu/academics/schools/social-sciences-and-education/criminal-justice/.