Housing Safety Unit Pilot Program Launched

October 28, 2025

Special Constables were sworn in last week at TBPS. Pictured: Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes, Erin Murphy, Tristan Johnson, Chief Darcy Fleury, Cole Lambert, Krystal Wiwcharyk, and Deputy Chief Jeremy Pearson.



The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) and the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) have partnered to launch a new, community-focused initiative: the Housing Safety Unit (HSU). 


Under this initiative, dedicated Special Constables will be deployed to provide a proactive, visible, and tailored safety presence in TBDSSAB-owned housing communities. Special Constables are appointed under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA). They are law enforcement officers with limited police powers, authorized to enforce laws within a specific jurisdiction. The HSU is being launched as a pilot program with possibility of continuation based on data.


“The HSU is a prime example of community and police collaborating to create safer spaces through proactive, community-based presence,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s about building trust, maintaining order, and ultimately supporting residents in feeling safe in their homes.”


Four TBPS Special Constables will be deployed primarily to three high-volume buildings, while also establishing relationships at TBDSSAB’s other direct-owned properties. Their duties include routine patrols, incident response, tenant engagement, and support referrals.


“These constables are equipped to enforce laws under the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Mental Health Act (in limited roles), and relevant municipal bylaws and housing rules. They are equipped to enforce laws under the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Mental Health Act (in limited roles), and relevant municipal bylaws and housing rules,” explained Jason Rybak, TBPS Inspector, Operational Support.


TBDSSAB introduced Tenant Support Workers (TSWs) in 2017 to support the unique challenges faced by tenants in community housing within the permitted scope of a landlord-tenant relationship per the Housing Services Act and Residential Tenancies Act. Tenant Support Workers support tenants by building relationships, creating opportunities for tenant community building, and making referrals to community services. In recent years, TSWs have built a strong rapport with the TBPS Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) unit, with officers offering tenants education and advice around personal and community safety as-needed. 


As demand increases and police resources are challenged, this innovative partnership offers a new way to support proactive engagement with housing communities.


“Our housing communities deserve safe, supportive environments,” said Ken Ranta, CEO of TBDSSAB. “This partnership allows us to bring a new level of dedicated, community-specific safety to those who need it most.”


Krystal Wiwcharyk is one of the new Special Constables. “I know how important it is for people to feel safe, heard, and connected,” she said. “It’s about more than enforcing the law; it’s about understanding the challenges people face and helping them find solutions in a compassionate, respectful way.” 


The HSU Special Constable role can involve helping someone access support services, mediating neighbour disputes, or simply being a familiar, approachable presence. By offering practical help and working alongside community partners, Special Constables can help prevent issues before they escalate.     


The HSU is expected to:

• Enhance resident safety

• Reduce criminal and social disorder

• Build trust through community-based engagement

• Provide enforcement tailored to the unique needs of housing communities


A similar initiative implemented in Toronto has led to reduced emergency calls, improved perceptions of safety, and stronger tenant relationships with enforcement personnel. The TBDSSAB and TBPS HSU partnership is expected to deliver similar benefits in Thunder Bay—at a lower cost than traditional police deployment, and with more authority and training than private security. Data will inform future expansion and strategic adjustments.


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.

Cyber crime investigation leads to charges

June 10, 2026
TB26015221 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. On April 23, 2026, officers received a report from another police agency regarding potential child sexual abuse and exploitation in Thunder Bay. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified. On April 29, 2026, officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s south side and seized multiple electronic devices. On June 10, 2026, a suspect surrendered themself at the Thunder Bay Police Service Station at 1200 Balmoral Street. As a result of the investigation, 50-year-old Michael SCORGIE of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Luring a person under 16-years of age by means of telecommunications (two counts) • Arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 16-years of age (two counts) • Arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 18-years of age • Make prints, publishes or possesses for the purpose of publication of any child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material 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 . The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.

Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges

June 9, 2026
TB26021214 Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On June 5, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located a driver asleep behind their steering wheel with the vehicle running in the Picton Avenue and Blucher Crescent area. Further investigation led to a search of the vehicle. During the search officers located and seized over 115 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 587 grams of suspected crack cocaine, cash, and items associated with drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $150,000. As a result of the investigation, 49-year-old Jermaine WILSON, of Brampton, Ontario 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 · Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.