Community Academy

Community Police Academy

Have you ever wondered why police officers do the things they do? The Redwood City Community Police Academy gives residents an inside look, offering a firsthand education in the roles, responsibilities, and decision-making that define police work.

The purpose of the Academy is to educate members of the community about what it's really like to serve as a police officer in Redwood City. The course mirrors much of the curriculum taught to actual police recruits, giving participants a genuine understanding of the profession rather than a surface-level overview. Classes are taught by veteran officers and outside experts, with guest speakers who may include former offenders and leading industry presenters.

There is no charge to participate, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. The Academy meets for three hours every Thursday evening, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. An application is required, and selected participants must commit to attending all classes for the duration of the course.

Courses and Activities

The Academy covers a wide range of topics and hands-on experiences, including:

• Criminal Law: An overview of the legal framework officers operate within, including how laws are applied and enforced in the field.

• Narcotics: Education on drug identification, enforcement strategies, and the challenges officers face in narcotics-related cases.

• Evidence and Forensics: A look at how evidence is collected, preserved, and used to build a case, from the crime scene through investigation.

• Police Hiring Procedures: Insight into what it takes to become a Redwood City police officer, including the screening and selection process.

• RCPD Jail Tour: A guided tour of the Department's jail facility, offering a firsthand look at booking and detention operations.

• K-9 Demonstration: A live demonstration highlighting the training and capabilities of RCPD's K-9 unit.

• Decision-Making Scenarios: Interactive exercises that put participants in the officer's shoes, testing split-second judgment in realistic situations.

• Live Scenarios and Defensive Tactics: Hands-on training that gives participants a physical, practical understanding of tactics officers are trained to use.

How to Apply

An application is required to participate, and space is limited to selected applicants who commit to attending the full course. For more information about the Community Academy, please reach out via the Contact Us page. For your convivence, the Community Academy Application is posted below.