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.


Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

August 11, 2026
TB26030742 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has resulted in charges. As part of the investigation, Intelligence Unit officers searched a home in the Pearl Street area on August 4, 2026. During the search, two individuals were located and arrested. Quantities of suspected cocaine, cash, and items associated with drug trafficking were also seized. As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Crystal IDZI from Thunder Bay and 46-year-old Micheal MOCK of Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service response to weapons call leads to charges

August 10, 2026
TB26031031 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Syndicate Avenue South and Donald Street East area around 10:00 AM on August 6, 2026, in response to multiple reports regarding a stabbing. On scene three victims were located. One individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries, which are considered not to be life-threatening. The Break, Enter, and Robbery Unit became involved in the investigation. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 45-year-old Lazarus YELLOWHEAD of Webequie First Nation is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Assault with a weapon • Assault • Resist peace officer • Failure to comply with a release order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Primary Response Unit assault investigation leads to charges

August 9, 2026
TB26030239 A Thunder Bay Police Service assault investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Donald Street East area on July 31, 2026, in response to a report regarding an assault. The suspect had left the scene prior to officers arriving. One victim was located with minor injuries, and they were transported to a local hospital for treatment. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Clinton OSTAMUS of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault • Obstruct peace officer The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.