Youth Community Police Academy (YCPA)

Whether you are interested in criminal law, forensics, or investigations or want to find out what it takes to be a police officer, the Woodland Youth Community Police Academy is for you. 

The youth academy shares first-hand information on how and why the department operates and takes a look at the culture of police work and the organization. It provides an excellent opportunity for participants to interact with department members. This academy is an educational setting that allows youth to ask questions openly and to discuss with police staff any concerns they may have with law enforcement. It also gives them time to explore their curiosity and provides them an opportunity to see a different perspective, through a law enforcement lens, of why police officers do what they do.

The Woodland Youth Community Police Academy is a six-week training program, whose objective is to expose the student cadets to a very rewarding career in law enforcement. We place a strong emphasis on self-respect, respect for others, teamwork, and commitment to one’s goals. The academy is perfect for any Junior High School student who would like a challenge and to learn more about law enforcement. The leadership lessons they learn during the academy will last them a lifetime.

Woodland Youth Community Police Academy is open for Junior High Students (7th and 8th grades).

Meetings

Meetings will be held weekly from March 6, 2023, until April 17, 2023. The meetings will be held in person at the Woodland Police Department at 1000 Lincoln Ave. 

Registration

There is no cost to attend the Woodland Youth Community Police Academy. Registration is required before the start of each session. Sessions are limited to 12 cadets on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registrations will be accepted until the limit is reached. 

The 2023 Academy Registration is closed. The 2024 Academy Registration will open in January 2024. 

The 2023 Session will run from March 6, 2023, until April 17, 2023. The meeting dates are as follows:

• Monday, March 6, 2023 - Intro to Police/ Patrol / Tour
• Monday, March 13, 2023 - Evidence Collection and Processing Police Dispatch
• Monday, March 20, 2023 - Police Dispatch
• Monday, March 27, 2023 - Police K-9
• Monday, April 3, 2023 - Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) & School Resource Officer (SRO)
• NO MEETING ON MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2023 FOR SPRING BREAK WEEK
• Monday, April 17, 2023 - Police Department Program Overview / Graduation

How to Register

REGISTRATION OPENS ON JANUARY 3, 2023. Complete the online registration form here: REGISTRATION FORM. All applications must be completed online. If you have questions or need assistance with the application, please contact Trista Kennedy at 530-661-7865 or Trista.Kennedy@cityofwoodland.org.

Once your application is received, you will be contacted at the parent's listed email on the application as to the outcome.

Additional Information

• The YCPA Head Instructor is Officer Maria Juarez. 
• The YCPA Coordinator is Executive Assistant Trista Kennedy.

For questions or to obtain more information, please contact Woodland Youth Community Police Academy coordinator Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police, Trista Kennedy by email or call 530-661-7865.