Woodland’s youth will be able to be trained by the city’s police department during its annual Woodland Youth Community Police Academy, which is slated to begin on March 3.

According to the description from the city, the Woodland Youth Community Police Academy is a six-week training program, with an objective 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 website states.

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.

Meetings will be held weekly from March 3 until April 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in person at the Woodland Police Department at 1000 Lincoln Ave.

Woodland Youth Community Police Academy is open for local 7th and 8th grade students. There is no cost to attend. 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 meeting dates are as follows:

Monday, March 3, 2025 — SRO/Patrol

Monday, March 10, 2025 — K-9

Monday, March 17, 2025-MADD/Traffic

Monday, March 24, 2025-Detectives/Evidence

NO MEETING ON MONDAY, March 31, 2025 FOR SPRING BREAK WEEK

Monday, April 7, 2025 -SWAT

Monday, April 14, 2025 — Explorers/Grad Night

To register, please contact Woodland Youth Community Police Academy Instructor Maria Sierra by email at maria.sierra@cityofwoodland.gov or phone at 530-786-5514 or Coordinator Iliana Gonzalez by email at iliana.gonzalez@cityofwoodland.gov.