About Redwood City Police Department
The Redwood City Police Department (RCPD) was nominated by Salvatore Barretta of Ironhawk Financial.
RCPD is committed to community engagement and support. When they aren't busy enforcing laws and keeping us safe, the officers address various social needs and fostering positive relationships within the community.
One way RCPD does this is through the Citizens Police Academy, an educational program designed to provide community members with insights into the roles and responsibilities of police officers. Participants engage in classes covering topics similar to those taught to police recruits, including criminal law, narcotics, evidence and forensics, and police hiring procedures. The Academy also offers hands-on experiences such as live scenarios and defensive tactics. This program aims to foster transparency, accountability, and public outreach, thereby strengthening the relationship between the police department and the community.
Another way RCPD provides community service is through the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL), a collaborative effort between the RCPD and community members to provide school-age children and their families with access to academic support, life skills, and personal development activities. The PAL was established in 1995 and has expanded to include over 20 different cultural activities and programs, such as digital literacy, leadership training, educational enhancement, mentoring, and fitness and nutritional workshops. The program focuses on providing opportunities to underrepresented and underserved communities throughout Redwood City. Annually, PAL serves approximately 400 children and has reached a total of 15,000 children and youth since its inception.
Finally, RCPD's Tattoo Removal Program is a collaborative initiative between the RCPD, the San Mateo County Probation Department, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, and the Redwood City PAL. It assists individuals seeking to remove tattoos associated with gang affiliations or domestic violence, thereby helping them transition to a new chapter in their lives. Participants are required to perform community service hours and commit to a gang-free lifestyle. Since its inception, the program has served over 2,200 participants, providing more than 44,000 treatments, and has facilitated over 20,000 community service hours.
