top of page

You've got questions.

We've got answers.

​

We know you have some questions about working at the Woodland Police Department, so we put together a list of the ones we get asked most often. 

​

If you don’t see your question, please reach out to a recruiter by text or using the contact form at the top of the page. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Cueva portrait.png
Theresa.png

What is the status of my application?

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be contacted by a Woodland PD Recruiter who will let you know what your next action should be.

​

If you have a specific question about your application, you can call, text, or email a recruiter at:

​

Text: 530-786-5514

Call: 530-661-7884

Email: JoinWPD@cityofwoodland.org

What is the next step in the process?

On average, the entire recruitment process spans from 3 to 6 months and requires around 10 steps depending on whether or not you have completed a POST-certified Academy and/or previously worked at another agency. Please visit our recruitment process page to find a step-by-step guide for what you can expect as you move through WPD recruitment.

What are the required qualifications to be a police officer?

  • Age:  At least 21 years of age upon completion of the police academy

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent

  • Residency: There is no requirement for Woodland Police Department employees to live within the city. However, some specialty units may require employees be able to respond to the city within certain time limits.

  • Background: Woodland Police officers are entrusted with the responsibility to keep our city safe from crime and corruption. Therefore, a history of ethical and moral behavior is of upmost importance. Candidates who have a history of unethical and immoral behavior will not be hired.

Do I have to be a United States Citizen to apply?

The City of Woodland requires that a Police Officer candidates be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law at the time of appointment.

​

Non-citizen applicants are required to prove that USCIS accepted the application for citizenship upon acceptance to the WPD Background Unit.

​

California state law requires that citizenship be granted within three years of the application for citizenship.

Does Woodland PD allow tattoos and body piercings?

Tattoos: Visible tattoos may be worn except on the hands, neck, face and head. Permanent makeup, such as tattooed eyeliner or lip liner is permitted as long as it conforms to standards regarding makeup.

​

At no time while on-duty or representing the Department in any official capacity, shall any offensive tattoo or body art be visible. The agency prohibits body art that is gang related; conveys sexual, racial, religious, ethnic, or related intolerances; promotes a partisan political statement or expression; or portrays derogatory or offensive characterizations that are contrary to the values of the agency.

​

If the department receives complaints about a tattoo, the department may require any employee to cover it by uniform, clothes, approved cosmetics, or by any other means approved by the Chief of Police. Sleeves worn to cover tattoos must conform to the colors specified in the Uniform policy.

​

Body piercing or alteration: Body piercing or alteration to any area of the body visible in any authorized uniform or attire that is a deviation from normal anatomical features and which is not medically required is prohibited. Such body alteration includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Tongue splitting or piercing.

  2. The complete or transdermal implantation of any material other than hair replacement.

  3. Abnormal shaping of the ears, eyes, nose or teeth

  4. Branding or scarification.

What areas of the recruitment process are waived for Lateral Officers and Academy Graduates?

The Written Exam, Physical Agility Test, and of course Academy training itself, are waived for both Lateral Officers and Academy Graduates. 

Do I need a college degree to apply?

While a college degree is desired, the only education requirement is a high school diploma or GED. Woodland PD values the life experiences that our Police Officers bring with them every day to their job above all else. You’ll be speaking with members of the public from all walks of life and put in many new situations each shift. Education, prior job experience, and military service all equip you with skillsets that can help you navigate your future career as a Police Officer. 

What is the starting pay?

Academy salary: $6,033.23 Monthly

​

Officer salary: $6,703.59 - $8,983.46 Monthly depending on qualifications. We also offer a shift differential incentive pay.

Does Woodland PD currently have open jobs?

We are currently accepting applications for various positions. Please complete the contact form and our recruitment team will be in touch.

Who can I talk to regarding the testing process?

You can fill out the contact form online, call, text, or email a recruiter. 

​

Call: 530-661-7884

Text: 530-786-5514

Email: Richard.towle@cityofwoodland.org

​

Additionally, there are many comprehensive resources available to help you prepare for the testing portion of the recruitment process, including:​

Does the Woodland Police Department sponsor applicants through a Police Academy?

Yes, the Woodland Police Department will sponsor applicants through a police academy.

Will the Woodland Police Department pay for live-in expenses while applicants are attending a Police Academy?

The Woodland Police Department does not offer housing expenses and does not require new hires to stay at the police academy. However, you will be making a salary of $6,033.23 monthly while attending the Academy.

What is the Department’s drug use policy?

The City of Woodland is a Drug-Free Employer. You will be asked about all drug use during the Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) phase. Applicants are strongly encouraged to answer all PHQ questions honestly because their responses will be verified during the entire process. Woodland will consider all responses on a case by case basis before making any determinations.

​

Additionally, Employees hired after July 1, 2006 shall refrain from the use of all tobacco products during the term of their employment with the City. 

What is the Department’s facial hair policy?

  • Mustaches - A short, neatly trimmed, mature mustache of natural color may be worn. Mustaches shall not extend below the vermillion border of the upper lip or the corners of the mouth and may not extend to the side more than one-half inch beyond the corners of the mouth, unless the mustache grows continuous to a goatee or beard. Handlebar mustaches are prohibited.

  • Beards - A mature, neatly trimmed beard of natural color may be worn. The hair shall not exceed ¼ inch in length. The beard shall have sharp, even edges and corners and shall not be grown on the upper cheeks or neck. A moustache is required if a beard is grown. The beard shall not interfere with the proper fit of any safety equipment.

  • Goatee - A short, neatly trimmed, mature goatee of natural color may be worn. The hair shall not exceed ¼ inch in length. The goatee shall have sharp, even corners and edges. The width of goatee shall not exceed outward more than ½ inches from a vertical line that extends from the corner of the mouth down, nor shall it proceed under the jaw towards the neck more than 3/4 inches. The goatee shall not interfere with the proper fit of any safety equipment.

  • Sideburns - Sideburns shall not extend beyond a point even with the bottom of the ear lobe and shall extend in a clean shaven, horizontal line. The flare (terminal portion of the sideburn) shall not exceed the width of the main portion of the sideburn by more than one fourth of the un-flared width. The sideburn shall be trimmed and neat in appearance.

What is the Department’s hairstyle policy?

Hairstyles of all members shall be neat in appearance. For male sworn members, hair shall not cover more than the top half of the ear nor extend below the top edge of the uniform collar while assuming a normal stance.

​

Female uniformed members shall wear their hair in such a style that it does not obscure vision and shall be no longer than (3) three inches below the back of the collar. Hair must be pulled away from the face and up using barrettes, combs, clips, rubber or elastic bands, etc. Examples of appropriate hairstyles include pony tail, bun, chignon, French or single braids, etc.

​

Hair that is tinted or dyed must be of a natural human color.

What happens if I get deployed while working for the Woodland Police Department?

The Woodland Police Department follows federal laws regarding Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and will coordinate with employees on a case-by-case basis.

Does Woodland Police Department have a federal/military buyback program?

The Woodland Police Department’s retirement system is through CalPERS. CalPERS offers a maximum of four years military service credit if you meet one of the eligibility requirements as follows:

​

  1. A current, former or retired member of CalPERS covered employer that contracts for this option

  2. A current or retired state or school member

 

You cannot purchase military service credit if you:

​

  1. Are receiving military retirement pay based on 20 years of active military service

  2. Have received military service credit in any other retirement system

 

Please visit https://www.calpers.ca.gov/page/active-members/retirement-benefits/service-credit for additional information.

​

How long is the probationary period?

The probationary period for entry level and lateral police officers is 12 months. 

What is the work schedule for Police Officers?

WPD Police Officers work a schedule of 4 consecutive days for 10 hour shifts. The following shifts are worked in Woodland:

  • Day Shift: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Swing Shift: 2 p.m. – 12 a.m.

  • Midnight Shift: 9:30 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.

 

Shift change occurs every four months and sign-ups are based on seniority. 

What are WPD’s core values and mission statement?

MISSION: The mission of the Woodland Police Department is to preserve the peace and protect the public through strong community partnerships and effective policing.

​

FOUR CORE VALUES:

​

  • Community Relations: We will have a comprehensive community relations program to enhance visibility and trust, reduce crime and empower the public.

  • Compassionate Service: We will be mindful of the humanistic needs of our diverse community by showing empathy, respect and responsiveness.

  • Integrity: We are committed to the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct, which are the pillars of our profession.

  • Professionalism: We value dedication, accountability and clear direction. We will achieve professionalism through teamwork, creativity, transparency and continuous education.

​

What is the physical agility?

This test consists of five individually timed and weighted events, and the minimum passing score is 320 (Important – POST Academies may require a higher standard).

 

The events include:

  • 99-yard obstacle course with sharp turns and up to 34-inch high obstacles

  • 165-pound body drag for 32 feet

  • 6-foot chain link fence climb

  • 6-foot solid wall climb

  • 500-yard run

​

https://post.ca.gov/Portals/0/post_docs/regulationnotices/2012-05/WrkSmplTestBattryProctrMan.pdf

bottom of page