Community policing is a philosophy of client-oriented service delivery aimed at improving accountability and effectiveness by focusing on problem solving by police officers.

The officers develop relationships with community members and become accountable to the community, as well as to their departments.

The fear of crime is reduced and quality-of-life is improved. The police become more accountable and effective.

The Woodland Police Department is working toward a community policing philosophy. In Fall 2001, the department included the community in its strategic planning process. The goal was to understand the community needs first hand, so that the department would be better able to develop solutions.