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: Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to arrest

September 25, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit and Operational Support Unit were dispatched to a business in the Court Street South area at approximately 10:05 AM on September 25, 2026, in response to a weapons call for service. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. A search of the accused led to the seizure of two-edged weapons. As a result of the investigation 24-year-old Silas KING from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Uttering threats – damage property Mischief under $5,000 Resist peace officer Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation leads to seizure of roughly $25,000 worth of illegal drugs

September 25, 2026
TB26038465 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in September 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. On September 23, 2026, officers with the Emergency Task Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Ogden Street area. A search of the home led to the seizure of roughly four grams of suspected crack cocaine and under one gram of suspected fentanyl, along with other items associated with drug trafficking. During the search two suspects were located and arrested. Later that same day officers located and arrested a third suspect. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a loaded firearm, as well as over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, 27 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 9 hydromorphone tablets. The street value of the seized drugs is approximately $25,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Boiyce NIEMI from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid (two counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Unauthorized possession of prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order As a result of the investigation 49-year-old Chris Robert MORIN from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Failure to comply with release order As a result of the investigation 46-year-old William GODICK from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid All of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service emphasises school traffic safety alongside community partners as the 2026/2027 school year continues

September 24, 2026
With the 2026/2027 school year underway, the Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents about traffic safety in school zones and all Thunder Bay roads. Drivers should be aware of increased youth pedestrian traffic in and around school zones. Many students will utilize city crosswalks on their journey to school. Drivers should ensure that they remain observant and are prepared to stop for crossing guards at crosswalks. According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, drivers should wait for the crossing guard to return to the sidewalk prior to continuing their drive. Following the Act supports safer roads while drivers can avoid the following penalties: (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $1,000; and (b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000. School buses are also back on local roadways. Motorists are asked to make sure they are stopping for school buses that have a sign out and lights flashing. According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, every driver when approaching from the front or rear of a stopped school bus that has its stop arm actuated, shall stop and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the stop arm is no longer extended. Following the Act protects the community while ensuring that drivers avoid the following penalties: (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $2,000; and (b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $4,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both. Drivers are reminded to adhere to posted speed limits in school zones and community safety zones. Reduced speeds are in place to protect children who may be walking, cycling, or crossing the roadway during peak travel periods. The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit remains committed to public safety and will continue proactive enforcement to ensure the protection of students, families, and all road users.