Land Acknowledgement
The Woodstock Police Service acknowledges that the City of Woodstock is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapeewak peoples.
We recognize the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge of the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land since time immemorial.
We are committed to fostering respectful relationships and advancing reconciliation within our community.
Early Policing in Woodstock
Since Woodstock’s early settlement in the 1800s, local constables and community leaders worked together to maintain order and safety.In 1862, the Woodstock Police Service did not yet exist as a formal, municipally established police force, however Law enforcement in Woodstock was conducted by British military veterans.
On May 13, 1865, Woodstock Town Council passed a by-law to establish the first Town Lock-up and appointed William Currie as the community’s first Chief Constable.
The first police office and holding cells were located in the basement of what is now the Woodstock Museum.
By 1875, the Woodstock Police Department had grown to include a Chief Constable and two Police Constables. When Woodstock officially became a City on July 1, 1901, policing came under the authority of a Board of Commissioners, marking a new era of municipal oversight and professionalism.
Growth and Leadership
Throughout the 20th century, the Service continued to evolve to meet the needs of a growing city.
Among its notable leaders was Chief Arthur R. Moore, who served for nearly 30 years after his appointment in 1920, guiding the department through decades of modernization and community change.
Regional Policing (1999–2009)
In January 1999, the Oxford Community Police Service (OCPS) was formed through the merger of the Woodstock Police Department, Tavistock Police Service, and Township of Norwich Police Service.
The new regional service provided policing for Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, and Norwich townships.
OCPS was led by Chief Joe Opthof, Chief Rod Piukkala, and Chief Ron Fraser, each contributing to the development of an integrated police model across Oxford County.
Return to Woodstock Police Service
On October 19, 2009, under the leadership of Chief Rod Freeman, the organization returned to its municipal roots and was re-established as the Woodstock Police Service (WPS).
Since then, the Service has continued to grow under the leadership of Chief Daryl Longworth and Chief Rod Wilkinson, building upon a legacy of professionalism, innovation, and community engagement.
Today, the WPS proudly continues over 150 years of policing tradition — committed to professionalism, service, and community safety in partnership with the people of Woodstock.