History of the Peterborough Police Service

  • The Peterborough Police Service is the 10th oldest service in the province, formed in 1850, and celebrated 175 years of service in 2025
  • 14 police chiefs in Service history - Peterborough Police Chief George H. Johnston was originally thought to have been the first Chief of the Peterborough Police Service; however, historical archives suggest that there were three others who preceded him.
  • First civilian member was a female stenographer in 1952
  • First female officer 1968
  • First forensic unit created in 1948
  • First K9 Unit 1997
  • 500 Water Street officially opened in 1968 and was the only police-designated building until the City of Peterborough purchase of the 1421 Lansdowne Street location in February 2024
  • 2025 was also the 25th Anniversary of the Peterborough Police Service Auxiliary Unit

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