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The Woodstock Police Service offers a free, voluntary Security Camera Registry to help prevent crime and support police investigations within our community.
The registry allows residents and business owners to register the location of their security cameras, helping officers identify potential video evidence when investigating incidents in the area.
Why Register Your Camera?
Registering your security camera helps the Woodstock Police Service:
- Identify nearby cameras that may have captured suspicious activity or criminal incidents.
- Contact camera owners quickly when video footage may assist an investigation.
- Improve investigative efficiency and support community safety.
Registration does not provide police with direct access to your cameras or recordings. Participation is voluntary, and you are not obligated to share footage if contacted.
Register Your Camera
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Security Camera Registry?
The registry helps Woodstock Police Service officers identify properties with security cameras when investigating crimes or suspicious activity. Knowing where cameras are located allows investigators to contact potential witnesses more efficiently and identify footage that may assist an investigation.
How does registering my camera help police investigations?
When a crime occurs, officers may canvass the surrounding neighbourhood for witnesses or video evidence. The registry helps officers identify nearby cameras that may have captured suspects, vehicles, or other relevant activity, saving valuable investigative time.
Do I have to share my video footage with police?
No. Participation is completely voluntary. Registering your camera does not obligate you to provide recordings or images to police. You can decide whether to share footage if contacted.
Will police have access to my cameras or live video feeds?
No. Registering your camera does not give the Woodstock Police Service access to your camera system, live feeds, or stored recordings. Officers must contact you directly to request any footage.
Who can access my registration information?
Registration information is intended for authorized Woodstock Police Service personnel for policing and investigative purposes. Your camera location and contact details are not displayed on a public registry.
Does registering my camera affect my privacy?
Registration is voluntary. You remain in control of your camera system and recordings. Police may contact you to request footage relevant to an investigation, but you are not required to provide it simply because you registered.
How do I provide video footage to police?
If your camera may have captured relevant footage, an officer will contact you and explain how it can be shared. Depending on your system, footage may be provided electronically or transferred to a suitable storage device.
Will police remove my camera or recording equipment?
Registering your camera does not authorize police to remove or access your equipment. If footage is required, officers will discuss appropriate methods of obtaining it.
Will I be contacted frequently?
Not necessarily. Police will generally contact you only if an incident occurs in an area covered by your camera and the footage may assist an investigation.
Is registration free?
Yes. The Security Camera Registry is free and available to residents and business owners within the City of Woodstock.
Can I update or remove my registration?
If your contact information changes, you relocate your camera, or you no longer wish to participate, you can contact the Woodstock Police Service to request an update or removal of your registration.
Does registering guarantee that my property will be monitored by police?
No. The registry is an investigative resource and does not provide active police monitoring, surveillance, or additional patrol services.