Specialty Assignments

Beyond patrol, RCPD officers have the opportunity to develop specialized skills through a wide range of assignment paths. These roles allow officers to build expertise, take on leadership responsibilities, and contribute to the Department in ways that go beyond day-to-day patrol duties. Specialty positions are earned through demonstrated performance and are often supported by additional training, incentive pay, and career development opportunities.

Investigative & Task Force Assignments

General Detectives: Investigate crimes reported to the Department, following up on cases referred from patrol, gathering evidence, and preparing cases for prosecution.

DEA Task Force: Partners with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration to investigate narcotics trafficking that extends beyond local jurisdiction and impacts Redwood City.

Narcotics Task Force: An undercover, plain-clothes Detective that works collaboratively with the San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force. 

Gun Relinquishment Task Force (GRTF): A Detective assigned to the San Mateo County DAs Office, focusing on ensuring individuals prohibited from possessing firearms under state law surrender them in compliance with court orders and legal requirements.

Field Evidence Technician: Responds to crime scenes to collect, document, and preserve physical evidence in support of investigations.

Training & Instruction

Field Training Officer (FTO): Supervises and mentors newly academy-graduated officers during their four-month field training period, teaching them to apply their training in real-world patrol situations.

Firearms Instructor: Trains officers in the safe and effective use of firearms, ensuring the Department maintains proficiency and compliance with state standards. 

Use of Force (UOF) Instructor: Provides ongoing training on department use-of-force policy, de-escalation techniques, and legal standards to help officers respond appropriately in critical situations.

Crisis Response & Community Safety

Crisis Negotiations Unit: Specially trained officers who respond to and help resolve high-stakes situations such as hostage incidents, barricaded suspects, and individuals in crisis.

Special Response Team: RCPD's tactical unit, trained to respond to high-risk situations requiring specialized equipment and coordinated tactics.

Street Crimes Suppression Team (SCST): A proactive, plainclothes Detective unit focused on identifying and disrupting ongoing criminal activity, including narcotics and gang-related offenses.

Community & Neighborhood-Focused Units

Downtown Services Unit: Provides a dedicated police presence in Redwood City's downtown core, addressing quality-of-life issues and building relationships with businesses and residents.

Community Coordinating Activities Team: Works directly with community members and local organizations to build partnerships and address neighborhood concerns proactively.

Specialized Patrol & Technical Units

Motor Unit: Officers assigned to motorcycles who handle traffic enforcement, collision investigation, and provide escort for special events.

Marine Unit: Patrols Redwood City's waterways, including the harbor and Redwood Shores, supporting water-based emergency response and enforcement.

K9 Unit: Handlers and their trained police dogs assist with searches, tracking, and apprehension in support of patrol and investigative operations.

UAS Pilot: Certified operators of the Department's drone (Unmanned Aircraft System) program, providing aerial support for situational awareness during incidents and investigations.

Ceremonial

Honor Guard: Represents the Department at official ceremonies, ceremonies of remembrance, and ceremonies honoring fallen officers, embodying the Department's tradition and values.