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.

This week, the Thunder Bay Police Service issued its 2024 Annual Report. The report highlights compelling data and stories that illustrate the high demand for our services and the outstanding performance of our team. I am proud of the professionalism and bravery shown by all our members—both sworn officers and civilian staff—who serve our community with compassion and integrity every day. I am grateful to the many partners, organizations and individuals who continue to support the integral work we do. It is a privilege to serve this community. I encourage everyone to view the full report . Here are a few of many 2024 statistics of interest. 

Last week, we celebrated Police Week to recognize and thank the dedicated members of Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS)—those on the front lines and those working tirelessly behind the scenes. In my view, they deserve appreciation every day. Every action in their work is rooted in one goal: keeping our community safe. I also want to extend sincere gratitude to the many community members who support our work. Whether through kind words, partnerships, or simply a shared belief in public safety, your support makes a real difference. It reminds our members that their service matters and that we are stronger when we stand together. There is no question that the work of our members is both demanding and impactful. From May 12-May 18, the Thunder Bay Police Service received 1,144 calls for service. Of the total calls for service, 197 were classified as Priority 1 calls. Below is a breakdown of some of the call types reported during those 7 days: 90 motor vehicle collisions 38 assaults 15 weapons calls 9 robberies 8 motor vehicle thefts 42 theft/shoplifting During that time period, the Thunder Bay Police Service Communications Centre handled a total of 4,724 calls, with 1,930 of those being calls incoming directly through 9-1-1. People are often experiencing their most difficult moments when they come into contact with police. I recognize that perceptions of policing can vary widely. Some see police as symbols of safety and reassurance, while others may view them with skepticism, shaped by personal experience or broader societal issues. I remain committed to listening, learning, and building trust through every interaction.  All community members are invited to ask questions at an upcoming Chat with the Chief event: Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm (symposium at 5:30) Waverley Resource Library, Red River Road To submit questions ahead of the event, visit https://forms.office.com/r/cuPSF5LFrH

In response to community requests, we are sharing data regarding our calls for service via our social media channels. I invite you to follow Thunder Bay Police Service on Facebook and Instagram to see regular summaries like this one issued on April 15: From April 7-13, the Thunder Bay Police Service received 951 calls for service, which included 23 that were dispatched as reported assaults and 10 others that potentially involved weapons. What the numbers don’t reflect is the complexity behind calls for service. For example, last weekend there were 270 calls for service. While this is a lower number than we often see, our officers were very busy responding to a shooting incident, as well as: 26 individuals taken into custody 18 Intimate Partner Violence-related calls that resulted in 5 additional custodies 17 Mental Health Act calls resulting in 6 apprehensions 6 persons reported missing and located From March 15 to April 15 this year, there were 825 Priority 1 calls. Priority 1 to 3 calls need immediate officer response because there is a real and current threat to life or of serious injury, such as a person being assaulted. Priority 1 calls are those with the most serious threats, often with weapons involved. Our officers work tirelessly every day to serve and protect our community, and they are well supported by our dedicated members behind the scenes. I am proud of all they do every day to keep our community safe. All community members are invited to learn more about our calls for service, safety initiatives, and priorities at an upcoming Chat with the Chief event: Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 pm BCG Thunder Bay, Windsor Street Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm (symposium at 5:30) Waverly Resource Library, Red River Road Questions from the community are welcome. To submit questions ahead of the events, visit https://forms.office.com/r/cuPSF5LFrH I encourage you to share this message with your colleagues and teams. To unsubscribe, contact news@thunderbaypolice.ca