June 10, 2021 – While the Woodstock Police Force remains one of the few small-town municipal forces still operating in New Brunswick, it’s not taking a backseat to anyone in aspects of equipment, technology and service to the community.
Chief Gary Forward said the support from the town council and the provincial government ensures the Woodstock force can stay abreast of the latest advancements in police services.
A new police cruiser, the up-to-date computer technology in the entire Woodstock Police Force fleet, and the officers’ body-worn cameras attest to the most recent upgrades in the department’s equipment.
The chief said the foresight of the mayor and council to include the necessary capital funding to keep the police cruiser fleet up to date allowed for the recent purchase of a new Dodge Durango.
Forward said the new high-end computer technology in the Durango and all WPF cruisers resulted from a pilot project offered through the provincial government.
He said he’s “grateful” to Woodstock council members and the New Brunswick Department of Public Safety for the support.
Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp and Coun. Randy Leonard, chair of the town’s protective services committee, joined Chief Forward and Cst. Dale Pollock on May 25 to unveil the force’s newest equipment.
“The onboard technology is a significant upgrade,” said Slipp.
He added that the council, over the years, attempted to ensure the town’s capital budget provided the funding needed to keep the force’s fleet and other equipment up to date.
Leonard said he was impressed by the new cruiser and equipment, adding Woodstock residents enjoy the benefits of having a well-equipped, highly trained and efficient police force of its own.
Forward praised the working relationship the force enjoys with town administration and council.
Cst. Pollock said the cruisers’ onboard technology gives all officers a mobile office. He said an on-duty officer could do almost everything inside the vehicle, whether completing reports or seeking information.
Pollock said the technology allows Woodstock officers to be on the streets patrolling the town rather than spending hours doing paperwork at the office.
“This will be our office,” he said, pointing to the laptop. “People want to see police on the road.”
Pollock said on-duty officers could park anywhere to do their paperwork while keeping an eye on activities around town.
Personally, he said, he wants to spend more time in the community and the least time possible at the station.
Pollock said the onboard technology includes a scanner and printer and opens the door for e-ticketing. He said if an officer issues a ticket, the computer automatically sends copies to the police office, the court, the motor vehicle branch and the offender.
The cruisers’ technological upgrades come on the heels of last fall’s introduction of body-worn cameras to all on-duty officers. Forward said the cameras benefit both the officers and members of the public with whom they interact.
Most importantly, said Forward, the cameras and new equipment enhance the force’s ability to protect and serve Woodstock residents and visitors.
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