Training
The Redwood City Police Department is committed to ensuring every officer meets and exceeds the training standards required to serve the community safely, lawfully, and professionally. Training begins before an officer is hired and continues throughout their entire career with the Department.
Basic Academy Training
Before becoming a Redwood City police officer, every candidate must satisfy the minimum standards set by California Penal Code § 832 to exercise the powers of a peace officer. This includes successful completion of a POST-certified Regular Basic Course - a minimum of 664 hours of instruction covering law, patrol procedures, investigations, community policing, use of force, vehicle operations, and other core competencies required of every California peace officer.
RCPD recruits attend basic academies operated by regional training partners, including:
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South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium
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San Jose Police Department Academy
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Sacramento Police Academy
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Alameda County Sheriff's Office Academy
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Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office Academy
Field Training Program
Upon graduating from the academy, new officers enter RCPD's four-month Field Training Program. Under the close supervision of experienced Field Training Officers (FTOs), recruits apply their academy training to real-world situations, building the practical skills, judgment, and local knowledge needed to patrol independently.
A Commitment to Advanced, Ongoing Training
RCPD's investment in training doesn't stop once an officer is certified and in the field. The Department places a strong emphasis on advanced in-service training, going well beyond state-mandated minimums to build a highly capable, well-rounded workforce.
Sworn staff are regularly sent to advanced, off-site training courses hosted by specialized academies, professional associations, and outside agencies across the state and country. This investment allows RCPD to develop deep in-house expertise across a wide range of disciplines; from investigations and forensics to crisis intervention, tactical operations, and emerging technology.
By prioritizing this level of training, RCPD cultivates subject matter experts (SMEs) within its own ranks, officers and staff who bring specialized, advanced-level knowledge back to the Department and help train and mentor their colleagues. This ongoing investment strengthens the Department's capabilities across every unit and reflects RCPD's standing as a progressive, advanced law enforcement agency.
In-Service Training
All RCPD officers participate in ongoing in-service training throughout their careers to stay current on changes in law, policy, tactics, and best practices. This includes annual requalifications, use-of-force training, de-escalation techniques, and updates on evolving legal standards.
Specialized POST Courses
Officers assigned to specialized roles, including detectives, K-9 handlers, SWAT team members, and training staff, complete additional POST-certified coursework specific to their assignments, often supplemented by the advanced outside training described above. This ensures specialized units operate with advanced, up-to-date expertise in their respective fields.
Transparency in Training
Consistent with California SB 978 and Penal Code § 13650, RCPD ensures its training materials, policies, and standards are accessible to the public, reinforcing the Department's commitment to transparency and community trust. Please visit our Transparency page for additional information.