September 2025

September 18, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Board has officially launched the new joint Strategic Plan for Board and our Service, which will guide our work through to 2028. This marks an exciting and important time for both our organization and the communities we serve.

 

You can view the plan here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/about-us/strategic-plan

 

This plan reflects our ongoing commitment to community safety and public trust. It lays out a clear direction, rooted in shared values and priorities, for how we will serve with integrity, compassion, and accountability.

 

Our Vision: A safe community. A trusted service.


We believe every person deserves to live in a safe environment and to be served by a police service they trust. This vision will guide every decision we make.

 

Our Mission: With integrity and compassion, we partner with communities to deliver policing that improves safety and trust.
We know that true public safety is only possible through strong partnerships with the people and communities we serve. Together, we can build safer neighbourhoods and stronger relationships.

 

Our Values:


Our actions will continue to be guided by the values we hold as a service:

  • Partnerships
  • Integrity
  • Public Service
  • Excellence
  • Equity, Diversity & Human Rights


These are more than words—they are the foundation of how we serve and how we hold ourselves accountable.

 

Our Strategic Priorities:

 

To realize this vision and mission, our Strategic Plan focuses on four key priorities:

 

1. Crime Prevention and Reduction
We will take a proactive, community-based approach to preventing and reducing crime, with a focus on addressing root causes and ensuring meaningful public safety outcomes.

 

2. Public Trust and Confidence
Trust is essential. We are committed to building and maintaining trust through open communication, accountability, and a commitment to fairness and respect in every interaction.

 

3. A Healthy & Supported Workforce
Our members are our greatest asset and at the heart of everything we do. Supporting their wellness, safety, and development is key to delivering high-quality service to the public.

 

4. Accountable Leadership
We will lead with integrity, transparency, and accountability at every level. Strong leadership is critical to strengthening and keeping public confidence.

 

An Operational Plan is currently in development to ensure that these priorities are translated into concrete actions that will guide day-to-day implementation and keep us accountable to our goals—and to you, our community.

 

This is a defining moment for our service. I want to thank our Board, all TBPS members and those in the community who shared their voices, experiences, and perspectives to shape the new Strategic Plan. Your continued input ensures our service reflects and respects the diverse needs of the people we serve.

 

I look forward to the work ahead.


Thunder Bay Police respond to weapons call on city’s north end

January 18, 2026
TB26002366 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate following a weapons incident that occurred on the morning of January 18, 2026. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. in response to an individual who had been located with injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. A visible police presence is expected in the 10th Avenue area.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

January 15, 2026
TB26001908 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges. On January 14, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers executed a search warrant at a home on Machar Avenue. During the search suspected illegal drugs including cocaine and fentanyl were seized, along with cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation 25-year-old Levi BELL, 37-year-old Samantha BENNETT-DOLPH, 50-year-old Devon BOND, 34-year-old Linda LEDGER, 48-year-old Kelsey TENHUNEN, 33-year-old Wayne WOODBECK, and 38-year-old Dustin WOODBECK, all from Thunder Bay, are facing the following charges: • Possession for purpose of trafficking cocaine • Possession for purpose of trafficking fentanyl • Proceeds of crime over $5,000 Wayne WOODBECK and Levi BELL have also been charged with breach of probation. Total street value of drugs seized is roughly $6,500. BENNETT-DOLPH, and BOND have been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused remain in custody with a future court date.

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.