Our History

Since Woodstock was first settled in the early 1800's, the city has experienced a rich police history. British military veterans who created a system of law based on the British military conducted early law enforcement in the area.

On May 13, 1865, a by-law passed to establish a "Town Lock-up", with William Currie, appointed as Chief Constable for the Town of Woodstock. The first Police office and lock up was in the basement of the present day Woodstock Museum

The Woodstock Police Department kept growing and by 1875 consisted of a Chief Constable and two Police Constables. On July 1, 1901, Woodstock incorporated as a City. This placed policing under the control of a Board of Commissioners.

A long succession of Chiefs continued to guide the force as it grew in numbers and expertise. The longest serving Chief, Arthur R. Moore, served almost 30 years after becoming Chief Constable in 1920.

In January 1999, the Oxford Community Police Service (OCPS) was born. It came to be by merging the Woodstock Police Department, Tavistock Police Service and Township of Norwich Police Service. The OCPS also policed Blandford Blenheim, East-Zorra Tavistock, and Norwich townships. The OCPS began these policing obligations in January 1999. Chief Joe Opthof, Chief Rod Piukkala and Chief Ron Fraser, all served as Chiefs of the OCPS.

On October 19, 2009, under Chief Rod Freeman, the OCPS became the Woodstock Police Service again. WPS members are proud to continue providing protection, safety and security to the citizens of Woodstock.