July 2026
Patrol teams connect with community
Project Support is an initiative focused on improving safety and stability in the downtown core. It began in April in response to concerns about open drug use, disorderly behaviour, vandalism, aggressive behaviour, trespassing, and the impact these issues have on businesses, residents, and public confidence. The first point of contact helps assess each person’s needs and connect them with supports such as addiction treatment, mental health services, housing help, and other community resources.
So far, results include:
- 4,100+ community engagements
- 199 Social Navigator referrals
- 39 arrests
- 25 Provincial Offence Notices
- numerous trespass enforcement actions
Many of the arrests were associated with warrants. What is a warrant arrest?
- Warrants are issued by a judge for new crimes or for missing a court date.
- Officers must arrest a person named in a warrant
- The arrested person is taken to court to face a judge.
Pathway to Policing - Uniform & Civilian Recruitment
It’s an exciting time to join the Thunder Bay Police Service. On July 8, we welcomed seven new constables, in addition to 15 others who have joined in recent months.
Are you thinking of building a meaningful career that makes a difference?
Our Pathway to Policing webinar is a great place to start.
This one-hour session will highlight sworn and civilian career opportunities and help you understand where your skills, interests, and goals may fit.
You will learn more about the recruitment process for roles including:
- Cadet
- Experienced Officer
- Special Constable
- Central Records Clerk
- Court Clerk
- Communication Operator
Ask us anything! The session will include a live Q&A with our Recruitment Team so you can ask questions and learn more about taking the next step.
Join us Friday, July 17, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and discover how you can be part of a purpose-driven team that makes a difference.
To register to participate, visit: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ebb183c0-56a4-4622-aac2-604874c169ab@ce849a11-f1f3-42aa-821a-06563b0c2237
How are calls prioritized?
People often ask how police are dispatched to calls for service. Every call is important. Some calls need police to respond faster than others. Calls are ranked from Priority 1 to 9, and that priority can change as more information comes in.
Priority 1 to 3 calls need an immediate police response because someone may be in serious danger.
Priority 1 calls are the most urgent and may involve weapons or a serious crime in progress.
Priority 4 to 6 calls still need police attention, either in person or by phone, but there is no immediate threat to life or serious injury.
Priority 7 to 9 calls can often be handled by phone, such as information requests, referrals, or reports of past incidents.
Most calls to our Service are Priority 1. At times, all available patrol officers may be responding to urgent calls while more continue to come in.
We work closely with more than 30 local partners to prevent crime and support people’s success. Initiatives like Project Support, School Resource Officers, the IMPACT mental-health response team, social navigation supports, and youth engagement initiatives help prevent harm, connect people to services, and reduce pressure on the front line.
Did you Know?
164,125 exhibits were handled by the Digital Evidence Management (DEMS) team in 2025. 3,371 evidence cases were created.
Digital evidence management is the secure process of collecting, storing, and sharing electronic evidence like videos, photos, and phone data for legal cases. Digital evidence is used in the vast majority of cases.
Why DEMS matters:
- Chain of Custody: Tracks who viewed or changed a file to keep it legally valid.
- Speedy Access: It organizes huge files for fast searching.
- Safe Sharing: Sends evidence to lawyers while automatically blurring private details.
Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board
June was another productive month as the Board advanced its governance priorities, supported Service initiatives, and continued to engage with the community.
Board Business
The Board approved a new Labour Relations Grievance Policy, establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and levels of authority for addressing grievances related to the Service's collective agreements.
Inspector J. Dampier presented the semi-annual Board Policy Compliance Report, outlining the Service's adherence to Board policies. The Board appreciated the clarity of the reporting process and continued focus on accountability.
In partnership with the Thunder Bay Police Service, the Board released the 2025 Annual Report - the first jointly produced report highlighting shared priorities, accomplishments, progress, and key initiatives throughout the year.
Read the Annual Report: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/transparency-and-accountability/
The Board also received an update on the 2025–2028 Joint Board/Service Strategic Plan.
Read the Strategic Plan Update: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/transparency-and-accountability/
The Board supported the extension of Project Support: A Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative until September. This initiative enhances public safety while connecting individuals with mental health, addiction, and housing supports.
The Board also completed interviews for the Executive Director position and is finalizing the recruitment process. An announcement is anticipated in mid-to-late July.
Community Engagement
On June 21, Board members Denise Baxter, Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Chief Darcy Fleury, Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon, and artist Jessica Mamakeesick gathered for the unveiling of new artwork featuring the Seven Grandfather Teachings at the Service's Balmoral Street headquarters in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Artist Jessica Mamakeesick shared, "The Seven teachings represent love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth. They represent the values that guide us through life."
Stay Connected
Agendas, reports, and minutes are available on the Board's website. Draft minutes are posted within five business days of each Board meeting.
Read Agendas & Minutes: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/meetings-agenda/
Board meetings are on hiatus for the summer. The next regular Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 15.
