Woodstock Police Service Board

In Ontario, every municipal police service operates under the authority of a Police Services Board, which provides civilian governance and oversight.

The Woodstock Police Services Board (WPSB) is established under the Municipal Act and derives its authority from the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA).

The Board ensures that the Woodstock Police Service delivers adequate and effective policing to meet the needs of the community, as required by provincial legislation.

Through governance, not operational direction, the Board provides accountability, transparency, and strategic leadership on behalf of the citizens of Woodstock.

Role of the Board

The Woodstock Police Services Board works closely with the Chief of Police to establish the strategic priorities, objectives, and policies that guide policing in the city.

Its responsibilities focus on policy direction, resource stewardship, and community responsiveness, not day-to-day police operations.

The Board does not direct the Chief of Police regarding:

Specific investigations or operations
Discipline of individual officers
The daily administration of the Service

Instead, the Chief of Police is responsible for administering and managing the Service in accordance with the Board’s approved policies and strategic plan.

Board Responsibilities

Under the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), a Police Services Board must:

Ensure adequate and effective policing within its jurisdiction
Employ members of the police service and appoint them as police officers
Recruit and appoint the Chief of Police and any Deputy Chiefs, including determining their compensation and working conditions
Develop and adopt a Diversity Plan to ensure the Service reflects the community it serves
Monitor and review the Chief’s performance and decisions regarding discipline and secondary activities
Oversee police facilities and ensure compliance with prescribed standards
Perform any other duties assigned under the Act or by regulation

Accountability and Community Partnership

The Woodstock Police Services Board represents the community’s voice in policing. It ensures that community safety priorities reflect local values and that the Police Service remains transparent, accountable, and inclusive in its operations.

The Board also supports ongoing collaboration between the Police Service and the public – fostering trust, equity, and shared responsibility in keeping Woodstock safe.