February 2026

February 18, 2026

Online Reporting: freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents

 

Since launching a new online reporting service last February, the Thunder Bay Police Service has become a national leader in the use of the technology. The reporting platform allows more types of non-emergency incidents to be reported online from anywhere, while making it easier for users to upload photos or videos as evidence.

 

The system redirects thousands of calls away from frontline response, freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents. 677 online reports were submitted in January, 2026.

“This is a good example of one of the many ways we enhance efficiency,” noted Chief Darcy Fleury. “The community has access to a convenient reporting tool, and officers can focus on priority responses.” 

 

People can use the online portal to report theft, vandalism, fraud, traffic violations, and missing identification. The platform also allows people to have links to specific report types sent directly to them by text message. Users receive a confirmation once the report has been submitted and can choose to receive updates on the status of their report.

 

Daniyar Akhmedjanov, Co-founder of Rubicon - the online reporting platform – was recently in Thunder Bay to see how our team members have grown the system. “TBPS has built one of the most developed virtual/alternate response operations in the country – so we came to learn from the best (and bring those lessons back to other agencies),” he said. 




Your Questions Answered:

 

Q. Why do we keep seeing the same people arrested and then released?

 


A. This is a question many people are asking, and our officers are just as frustrated as the public when repeat offenders are released and continue to commit crimes. In Canada, bail is a Charter-protected right. Bail decisions are made by the courts, and the law generally starts from a position of release.

 

Current bail laws don’t always account for repeat behaviour.

 

Police services across Ontario – including ours - are calling for targeted bail reforms to protect rights and protect public safety. This includes changes to close gaps that allow the same individuals to reoffend while on release:

  • Stronger bail rules for repeat violent offenders
  • Real consequences for repeatedly breaching bail conditions
  • Better protection for victims of intimate partner violence
  • Greater scrutiny for gun crimes and organized crime

 

Q. Someone broke into my property and stole something. Will police come to investigate? 

 

A. Police responses are prioritized. While every call is important, a high demand for service means police must focus first where there is a real and immediate threat to peoples’ safety. If the break-in is discovered after the fact and no suspect is on scene, it’s considered lower priority. That is because officers are needed at active calls that include violence where the accused is present and there is a risk to public safety/victims, and mental health crisis calls.

 

What usually happens:

  • You’re asked to file an online report so the crime is logged and reviewed.
  • The report is used for insurance, crime tracking, and intelligence, as well as to identify the accused person who committed the crime.
  • If an officer is assigned and if new information or evidence is discovered (a suspect, recovered property, usable video, links to other crimes), you will typically be contacted.
  • Many break and enters are ultimately solved through property recovery, surveillance footage, or repeat-offender investigations, not scene attendance alone.

 

We have a team of highly skilled investigators who are assigned to investigate these crimes; the BEAR (Break, Enter, and Robbery) Unit has an extremely high success rate in solving these crimes by identifying suspects.

 

In January, 2026, the BEAR Unit issued 40 charges and made seven arrests. Even more charges and arrests initiated by BEAR were made by officers in other units. 

 

Experiencing a break and enter can be frightening and frustrating. Police attendance at a break and enter depends on risk, solvability, and public safety. Even when police don’t attend, reporting still matters — it supports insurance claims, helps identify crime patterns, and can connect your case to larger investigations if stolen property is recovered.

Submit your question anytime to news@thunderbaypolice.ca

Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board

 

 

 

Passing of Former Service Member Donna Delvecchio

 

The Board acknowledges the passing of Donna Delvecchio (Murphy), a former Service member whose career marked several historic firsts in local policing. Delvecchio was the first female police constable in the Lakehead region, and later, became Ontario's first female Staff Sergeant.

 

The Board recognizes and salutes Delvecchio for her years of public service, steadfast commitment to community safety, and trailblazing contributions to women in policing.

 

We extend our condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.

 

Governance Committee Year-In-Review

 

At the January Board meeting, Governance Committee Chair Denise Baxter advised the Board of the Committee’s progress and achievements for 2025, including:

• 20 new policies approved and developed by the Board

• 1 policy amendment developed and approved by the Board

• 1 by-law amendment developed and approved by the Board

• 12 meetings held

• 1 new member welcomed


 Service 2026 Operating Budget

 

The Board is pleased that Council accepted the Service’s request for a 9.1% budget increase to the 2026 operating budget. The budget passed with an 11-1 vote and was ratified on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

 

The Board is satisfied that this budget will enable the Service to effectively carry out its role and uphold its commitment to community safety, while meeting the needs and priorities identified through public consultations.

 

Board 2025 Budget Update

 

The budget is generally on track, with the exception of the “Legal Fees – Indemnification” account. Under certain agreements, the Board may be required to cover legal costs for members of the Thunder Bay Police Service. Recent activity, which is higher than usual, has resulted in additional costs beyond the Board’s control. Based on what has been spent and what is expected, it is likely that 2025 will end with a budget shortfall in this area.

 

Board Meeting

 

The Board welcomes members of the public and media to attend each meeting in -person, at Board Headquarters at 1111 Victoria Ave E, Unit #102. Alternatively, members of the public and media may view Board meetings ‘live’ via the Board’s livestream: http://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html

 

Board Meetings are also broadcast ‘live’ locally on Rogers TV Thunder Bay (Channel 10 and 105 for Rogers Cable subscribers.)

 

The next Board meeting is Tuesday March 17, 2026

 

Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to multiple voyeurism charges

June 17, 2026
TB26011668 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began on March 30, 2026, in response to a report of voyeurism. On April 8, 2026, officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s north end and seized several electronic devices. A suspect in the case turned themselves in at the Thunder Bay Police Service Station on June 16, 2026. As a result of the investigation, 46-year-old Brock BODNAR of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Voyeurism (six counts) The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com .

Thunder Bay Police Service invites community to National Indigenous Peoples’ Day event and artwork unveiling

June 16, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) invites the community to a special event on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Everyone is welcome to join us for a free community breakfast and the unveiling of artwork depicting the Seven Grandfather Teachings, created by local artist Jessica Mamakeesick. June 21, 2026 8:00 am – 9:30 am Thunder Bay Police Service Headquarters 1200 Balmoral Street Parking is available in Outlaws Burgers and Fries parking lot located across from the police station. The Seven Grandfather Teachings are for anyone to honour and live by: Love - accept all unconditionally. Truth - always speak truthful and without judgement. Humility - treat everyone equally with empathy and compassion. Honesty - to have the courage to say and do the right thing – to be honest with oneself. Respect - develop relationships that are mutual and reciprocal. Courage - stand tall through adversity with convictions and integrity. Wisdom - a combination of experience, knowledge, and teachings to make sound judgement with ability to separate inner qualities and relationships. “Displaying the Seven Grandfather Teachings promotes understanding, respect and appreciation for Indigenous traditions, and fosters inclusivity and open dialogue,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It will also serve as a reminder of the similarities between the Teachings, and the values demonstrated every day by TBPS Members.” “I am grateful to the members of our Elders’ Council and Indigenous Leadership Collaborative who shared their guidance and support for this project,” added Fleury. “Their guidance has been instrumental, and I want them to know that we are listening carefully and taking action in ways that reflect what they have shared with us.” Financial support for this initiative was provided by the City of Thunder Bay’s Clean, Green and Beautiful Emerging Project Grant.

Thunder Bay Police Service brings professional development training closer to home

June 12, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) hosted the Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) at the TBPS Station from June 8 to 12, 2026, bringing the training program closer to home. SLI is an FBI-LEEDA program — they’re the gold standard for law enforcement leadership training in North America. FBI-LEEDA — the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association — is a private, non-profit organization that grew out of the FBI’s executive training programs. The program operates independently and is not part of the FBI. The course runs for five days and is open to front-line supervisors and any police leaders, sworn or civilian. The Ontario Provincial Police, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, and the University of North Dakota Police Service participated in the course alongside TBPS. There was a total of 24 participants, 16 of which were members of TBPS. The instructor is Chief David Boggs, a retired Chief of Police out of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, FBI National Academy grad, and an FBI Executive Teaching Fellow. The course covers leadership principles, building credibility, discipline and supervisor liability, and participants do a personal DISC leadership style assessment. The DISC leadership assessment is a behavioral profiling tool that categorizes individuals into four primary personality styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. “Supervisors who complete the SLI return with practical, immediately applicable leadership skills — better equipped to manage their teams, handle discipline consistently and defensibly, and build credibility with the people they lead,” explained TBPS Inspector of Operational Support Jason Rybak. “It strengthens the overall quality of supervision across the organization and contributes to a more professional, accountable police service.” Today it is recognized as the leading provider of law enforcement leadership education in North America, having trained tens of thousands of officers and leaders across hundreds of courses annually. “Strong supervision produces better policing,” added Rybak. “When front-line supervisors lead with credibility, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions, it translates directly into how officers interact with the public. Communities benefit from a police service where leadership at every level is intentional, accountable, and committed to continuous improvement.” Their core program is the Leadership Trilogy — three progressive courses targeting every level of police leadership: • The Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) • Command Leadership Institute (CLI) • Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) Graduates who have completed all three programs also earn transferable college credit upon completion.