July 2025

July 7, 2025
Community questions answered


We’re answering your questions submitted to news@thunderbaypolice.ca. 


"If officers are really busy, how do they have time for things like community walks and serving pizza?"

We’re proud to be part of community events because it’s a great way to support important causes and connect with people. A lot of our officers and staff even volunteer their own time to help out and show their support. Our Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit and Community Inclusion Team members also get involved to build stronger relationships with the community. Being present is part of serving our community.


How does TBPS support vulnerable people?

The Thunder Bay Police Service works to protect vulnerable people by focusing on major issues like guns, gangs, and drugs—crimes that often affect and even target those who are most vulnerable. Concentrating on these activities directly reduces incidents of violence and improves public safety.


On a daily basis, our approach is compassionate and community-focused, aiming to improve safety and well-being:

  • Mental Health Response: Our IMPACT teams pair police officers with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) workers to respond to crisis calls. In the first year, the program reached over 1,600 people.
  • Support and Training: Officers are trained to de-escalate situations and connect people with support services. A Social Navigation Coordinator also helps individuals access care and reduce repeat interactions with police.
  • Community Partnerships: We work with 30+ local organizations to address social challenges through collaboration and ongoing dialogue.
  • Advocacy and Awareness: We know police aren’t always the right resource. Our Social Navigator links people to the help they need and advocates for more funding and public awareness to support long-term solutions.


We're Hiring


What if your next job wasn’t just about earning a paycheque — but creating real, lasting change in your community? At the Thunder Bay Police Service, you don’t just work. You protect, support, and inspire.


Every call. Every shift. Every moment — it counts.


A new career with serious purpose starts here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers


Update from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board


This month, the Board said goodbye to a long-serving and dedicated public servant, Board Secretary/Administrator John Hannam.


The Board would like to thank and recognize John for his invaluable service, commitment, and dedication to the Board. We congratulate John on his upcoming retirement and wish him all the best. 


Thank you to our media partners for sharing this news with our communities: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/after-decades-with-the-police-board-senior-administrator-calls-it-a-career-10822861


Also in June, the Board released its inaugural Annual Report (2024.)


Coming up in July, the Board will release its Q2 report.


The Thunder Bay Police Service Board was proud to participate in two flag-raising ceremonies this month: The raising of the Anishinabek Nation flag in recognition of National Indigenous People’s Day and The raising of the Progress Pride flag in recognition of Pride Month.

Man arrested on drug trafficking charges

October 29, 2025
TB25042887

Child pornography investigation results in charges

October 29, 2025
TB25018613

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.