March 2025

March 1, 2025

Along with fostering a learning environment at the Thunder Bay Police Service and developing a sustainable system of policing and police leadership, engaging with our community is one of my top priorities. “Chat with the Chief” events are an opportunity for open dialogue where I listen to concerns, share information, and collaborate to create a safer, stronger community. It’s an exchange of ideas and experiences that helps us all move forward.

For example, earlier this year, I met with the staff at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association (TBMA). During our discussion, I heard firsthand about the perceptions and experiences of newcomers to Canada. As a direct result of that conversation, steps are being taken to better prepare TBMA interpreters before they are involved in police interviews. This way, they can feel safe and confident while supporting families and individuals during sensitive situations.

Engagement with the business community is another key area where positive interactions have progressed. As a result of conversations with local business owners, Thunder Bay Police Service officers delivered information sessions on safety measures, and resources have been developed to help business operators protect their staff, customers, and property. I want to take this opportunity to thank the retail community for their proactive efforts. Crime prevention is a shared responsibility, and it’s through ongoing engagement that we all create safer environments for everyone.

When these conversations uncover opportunities for improvement, I am committed to addressing any proposed improvement. If they reveal a gap in knowledge or understanding, I make sure that information is shared with members of our police service and the community. Your feedback matters, and I take it seriously.

Overall, I am proud to say that the feedback we’ve received from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. People recognize the hard work and dedication of the members of our police service, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team we have. We are committed to working with you to ensure a safe and thriving community for everyone.

More "Chat with the Chief" events will be planned for the spring. If your organization is interested in attending or hosting one, please contact our Director of Corporate Communications at Tracie.Smith@thunderbaypolice.ca

Thank you for your continued support and for being an essential part of this shared effort.


Police response to weapons call leads to charges

January 13, 2026
TB25050587 One person is facing charges following a police response to a weapons call. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were sent to a home on Blucher Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on December 29, 2025, in response to reports of an altercation. Officers arrived and contained the scene. Two residents of the home were present, but the suspect had left the scene. Another call for service came in from a separate residence on Blucher Avenue while officers were speaking with the two residents. Officers were able to confirm the presence of the suspect in the second residence. Members of the Primary Response Unit and the Emergency Task Unit were able to safely arrest the suspect a short time later. As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Bryson Matinet from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault (two counts) • Assault with a weapon • Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (two counts) • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Disobeying an order of court • Unauthorized possession of a firearm The accused was held in custody for a future court date.

Thunder Bay Police Service Highlights Importance of Early Reporting in Missing Person Cases During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

January 9, 2026
As communities across Canada recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents that there is no waiting period to report a missing person. Families are encouraged to contact police immediately if a loved one goes missing or is at risk. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigates all missing person reports. If someone you care about is missing and you are concerned for their safety, please contact the police right away. Delay is one of the most significant factors that can impact the outcome of a missing person investigation. This reminder is especially important as the number of people living with dementia continues to rise. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, an estimated 772,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia, with projections suggesting that number could reach nearly 1 million by 2030. In Northern Ontario, where communities have proportionately more older adults and face challenges such as limited access to specialized care, dementia is often underdiagnosed or underreported. Individuals living with dementia may experience confusion, memory loss, anxiety, and disorientation, increasing the risk of becoming lost or wandering even in early stages when they may appear independent. Support is Available: If you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss or symptoms related to dementia, the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay’s First Link® program provides guidance, education, and connection to local supports. Families do not have to navigate this alone. ( https://alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en/help-support/programs-services/first-linkr ) Prepare & Plan Ahead: Six in ten people living with dementia are at risk of becoming lost. Families can reduce risk and be better prepared by considering steps such as: • Installing door chimes to alert caregivers when doors open • Securing vehicle keys and activating vehicle location services where possible • Knowing what bank cards or funds the person may have access to • Enabling cellphone location sharing, when appropriate • Keeping a current photograph and key details readily available to share with police in an emergency Families may also wish to explore locator devices or technology supports suited to their needs. Identification tools and planning resources are also available through the provincial Finding Your Way® program, which helps families prepare for incidents of going missing and supports safe, independent living for people with dementia. If a person with dementia goes missing — call 911 immediately. Do not assume they will return on their own. Do not feel you are “overreacting.” Weather conditions, traffic, unfamiliar surroundings, and confusion can place a missing person at serious risk. This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Thunder Bay Police Service joins the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay in recognizing families, caregivers, and everyone impacted by dementia in our community. Together, we can support safety, dignity, and awareness. For more information, resources, and support, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay or visit their website at https://alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en . Additional missing person information can be found on the Thunder Bay Police Service Missing Persons Information and Resource Page here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/missing-person-resources---advice

Fraud Friday: Reports of tax return fraud

January 9, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public about a potential tax return scam. Officers have received reports from residents who were contacted by an individual claiming to represent the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). In these reports, a caller tells the person they are owed a tax refund and direct them to log into a website to claim it. The resident is then prompted to enter personal banking information, into a website which is then obtained by the scammer. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm 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