January 2025

January 6, 2025

TBPS Bring MMIWG2S Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill


For the first time ever, a Tree of Hope was brought to Parliament Hill. First introduced in 2019 at the Thunder Bay Police Service, the project raises awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited people (MMIWG2S). On December 14, 2024, Police Chief Darcy Fleury, Elders, drummers, Minister of Indigenous Service Canada Patty Hajdu, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, and other guests gathered to light the MMIWG2S Tree of Hope in Ottawa. The red lights honor those lost and offer solace to grieving families, reminding them their loved ones are not forgotten. Chief Fleury emphasized the police's commitment to advocate for and protect Indigenous communities.



Toys to connect with and calm kids


Thunder Bay Police Service and Thunder Bay CMHA IMPACT personnel recently visited the Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre to pick up some special passengers. Gary Ferguson, CEO of the Centre, had an abundance of donated, brand-new stuffed toys. They were shared with members of our Primary Response Branch to give to children they encounter when responding to calls for service. The toys provide comfort to little ones during what can be stressful and challenging situations. 

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service was also fortunate to receive a box of stuffed teddy bears donated by Police Retirees of Ontario. This group knows that sharing a toy can go a long way to help break the ice when children are scared or upset. Our service is very grateful for the thoughtful support.


Fostering trust and accountability

The Thunder Bay Police Service has always held its officers to the highest standards of professional conduct. As the community may be aware, the Community Safety and Policing Act was brought into force in 2024 replacing the Police Services Act. Regulations made under the new Act included an updated Code of Conduct for police officers as well the introduction of a Code of Conduct for Special Constables. Further, these regulations now legislate the requirement for Police Officers and Special Constables to report the conduct of another member if they reasonably believe or ought to believe that the other member’s actions constitute misconduct. 

 

Our members receive ongoing training through various means with respect to peer intervention and compliance with the Codes of Conduct. Our dedication to professionalism and integrity in serving the community remains unwavering. We are proud to continue fostering trust and accountability in our police service.


Your Questions Answered: What does TBPS do about Home-Takeovers?

Home takeovers are generally connected to the drug trade and often involve unwanted guests taking advantage of vulnerable people. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigated and made arrests in relation to several home takeovers. Specific responses vary depending on the public safety risk and information obtained by the Thunder Bay Police during the investigation.

 

Community members can help by keeping an eye on their neighbours. Call us if you notice unusual activity such as increased traffic to a home with unfamiliar people or disturbances throughout the day or night.

The information can help to build an ongoing case, which can lead to arrests. 

  • Call 807-684-1200 and make a report.
  • Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/273

 

Submit your question anytime to news@thunderbaypolice.ca.


October 3, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to advise the public of scams that target local residents. Police regularly receive reports of residents who have been victimized by fraudulent residential rental scams. Residential rental scams happen when a person interested in renting a property believes they are communicating with the owner or landlord of an available property. The renter may be pressured into paying a deposit to view the property, or live elsewhere and be unable to view a property in person before agreeing to rent it. The renter pays a deposit, only to find that the property was never available for rent. The deposit – and the “landlord” - disappear. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. Red flags to watch for include the landlord asking for cash only, a cash security deposit, or money to be wired. Tips Don’t send money to anyone you have not met in person and/or for property you have not seen in person. Ask for identification from anyone showing you the property and write down the licence plate if they arrive in a vehicle. Search for owner information in the Land Titles office to confirm you are dealing with the owner. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime
October 1, 2025
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