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

 

Update: Missing Person — Richard GRAHAM

May 28, 2026
TB24032007 Richard GRAHAM is no longer the subject of a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) missing person investigation. This is now a private family matter. The family has granted permission for TBPS to disclose that Richard was located deceased. Please remove his name and images from websites and social media pages. The family wants to extend their appreciation to everyone who was involved in the search efforts. No further information will be released at this time.

Statement from the Chief of Police

May 28, 2026
Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones facing the uncertainty and heartbreak of a missing persons investigation. I also recognize and sincerely appreciate the efforts of Indigenous searchers, community members, volunteers, Elders, and partner organizations who dedicated significant time and care to supporting recent searches. Recent comments made by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Fiddler do not accurately reflect the Thunder Bay Police Service’s efforts or commitment. Our priority remains, and always will be, to locate missing persons and provide answers to families. Our members work diligently—both on the front lines and behind the scenes—and we are grateful for the acknowledgments received from families directly involved. Investigators have been in regular communication with families throughout recent investigations, including multiple updates on a daily basis where appropriate. Families may choose whether or not to include NAN in those discussions. TBPS members hold and value positive relationships with Indigenous leaders and community members, including with employees and program coordinators working for NAN. It is unfortunate the recent comments do not reflect this. While we respect the role of NAN leadership in advocating for its members, inaccurate or incomplete information can undermine trust and impact the willingness of individuals to come forward with information. Some investigations remain ongoing, and information from the community continues to be critical to bring resolution to families. I urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. I also encourage NAN members in Thunder Bay to continue to contact police when they need assistance, wish to report someone missing, or have information to share. Similarly, MPP Sol Mamakwa’s recent statement at Queen’s Park is misled. The true crisis has long been identified: a serious shortage of social supports, housing, addictions and mental health services, and prevention initiatives that help address the root causes that place vulnerable people at risk. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort with community partners working collaboratively.  Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police Thunder Bay Police Service

Missing Person: Mary GAGNON, 63

May 27, 2026
TB26019537 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 63-year-old Mary GAGNON. Mary was last seen in the Lillie Street area on May 17, 2026. GAGNON is described as an indigenous female, standing 5’4”, with a heavy build, medium length black hair usually worn in a ponytail, and dark brown eyes. She also wears glasses with black frames. Mary was last seen wearing a pink jacket with black pants. She cannot walk so she utilizes a pink electric scooter. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200.  Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com .