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MESSAGES FROM THE CHIEF
This monthly message is part of my commitment to ongoing engagement and transparency. Please reach out to news@thunderbaypolice.ca if you want to receive messages, or submit questions and feedback that will shape future reports as well as our social media content.
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
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.
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Community questions answered We’re happy to answer these questions submitted to news@thunderbaypolice.ca. How does TBPS combat retail thefts? Communities across the country are experiencing retail thefts due complex economic, social, and systemic factors. In one month (April 27 – May 27), TBPS responded to 263 calls related to Thefts. To interrupt this activity, TBPS officers in plain clothes attend stores posing as customers. When they witness theft, officers take suspects into custody. Our Break, Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit members spent time monitoring different retail areas over the course of multiple days. This resulted in several arrests for theft, including one of a person who was wanted on a robbery charge. Primary Response officers watch for theft activity while on patrol. Store windows that are free of obstructions such as posters give officers a clear line of sight from the road. Retail spaces can be planned to enhance staff safety and deter criminal activity. Our officers share advice to businesses that helps to open sightlines, improve, reduce hiding spots, increase the chance of detecting suspicious behavior, limit access to high-value or commonly targeted merchandise. How does TBPS help youth stay away from criminal activities? Protecting youth is a priority and shared responsibility. We are pleased to collaborate on activities to keep youth safe. These are just a few examples: School Resource Officers improve student safety in and around schools. They play a key role in building relationships between students and police. In 2024, School Resource Officers delivered 40 presentations to youth regarding Online Safety, Bullying, Gang Prevention and Student Safety. In September 2024, Voices of Resilience: Gang Prevention Through Experience reached about 2,500 grade 7 and 8 students at local and regional schools. Our Community-Oriented Response & Engagement and Community Inclusion Teams engage with members of our community at countless events and activities. Many of these, like the Sk8 Collaborative, are focused on youth. TBPS members participate in Camp Loon – an outreach program for youth between 12 and 18 from remote Indigenous communities in the north. Our involvement provides training in leadership skills and activities which may not be available to them at home. More Action. More Opportunity. Working in a busy municipal police service means every day brings new challenges—and new chances to grow. From frontline response to specialized units, your career path is yours to shape. Serve Where You Live. Protect What Matters Most. Stay close to home while making a real difference. Our officers protect the communities they live in—because there’s no greater motivation than keeping your own streets safe. If you’re looking for a rewarding, exciting and ever-changing career, answer the call. Join our team through either our Cadet or Experienced Officers program. To learn more about career opportunities at TBPS, visit thunderbaypolice.ca/careers.
