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.


Fraud Friday: Thunder Bay Police Service warning residents about call spoofing

September 18, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents about call spoofing, a scam where fraudsters disguise their phone number to make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate source including banks, government agencies, or even police services. Scammers use spoofed numbers to pressure victims into providing personal information, banking details, or immediate payments. These calls can look convincing, but the number on your caller ID cannot be trusted. If you receive an unexpected call asking for personal or financial information, hang up immediately and contact the organization directly using a verified number. Do not rely on the number displayed on your phone. Report suspicious calls to the Thunder Bay Police Service. 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

Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation leads to several charges

September 17, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has resulted in several charges. Officers began the investigation in August 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. Through the investigation two suspects were identified. On September 3, 2026, around 7:40 PM officers with the Emergency Task Unit located and arrested a suspect in the Limbrick Street and Vale Avenue area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspect cocaine, fentanyl, and Canadian cash. On September 3, 2026, around 8:10 PM officers with the Intelligence Unit located and arrested a second suspect in the Victoria Avenue and Oakwood Avenue area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspected fentanyl and Canadian cash. A total of over 30 grams of suspected fentanyl and 110 grams of suspected cocaine were seized, alongside a large fixed blade knife and over $4,000 in cash. The total estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $17,280 As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Terry PELTO of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Fail to comply with probation order As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old William JIMOH from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.

September 2026

September 17, 2026
Public safety depends on trust, visibility, accountability, and partnership. Through Project Support, the Thunder Bay Police Service worked with residents, businesses, service providers, and community partners to respond to concerns in our downtown and commercial areas. The initiative combined visible patrols, outreach, wellness checks, medical assistance, service referrals, and lawful enforcement. There were more than 9,100 community and business engagements, 343 service referrals, 89 referrals accepted, 78 arrests, and 74 provincial offence notices issued. Behind those numbers are people, conversations, and opportunities to connect individuals with support while addressing behaviour that affects shared spaces. Although the pilot has concluded, visible patrols will continue as we build on what we have learned. This work began by listening to community concerns, and those conversations will continue. Recent engagement, including the “Our Safe Voice, Strong Community” event with Tapestry Women’s Network Thunder Bay, reinforced openness, understanding, and shared responsibility — values that also guide how we honour service and sacrifice. In that spirit, I invite the community to attend this year’s Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 207 S. Brodie Street. This tradition gives us an opportunity to honour police and peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. In the past year, we have seen several officers lose their lives while answering the call to serve. This is our chance to remember their dedication, recognize their sacrifice, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten. Thank you for your continued commitment to Thunder Bay. We will keep listening, working with you, and showing up for the safety and well-being of this community. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police