April 2026

April 27, 2026

On average, our 911 Communications Operators handle over 4,200 calls per week. Every day, moments of crisis, uncertainty, and urgency often begin with a call for help. Behind each one is a highly trained 911 Communications Operator—calm, focused, and ready to support those in need. Although their work often happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt every day across our community.

 

 

Last week, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12 – 18), and throughout the year, we recognize the dedication of these professionals whose work is foundational to public safety.

 

At the same time, we continue to implement initiatives to proactively address complex public safety challenges, which can also reduce emergency calls and demands on our front-line officers. 

 

Last month, there were:

·        4128 Calls for Service

·        168 calls related to the Mental Health Act

·        315 arrests

·        51 assaults on police

 

The Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative, led by our Community Outreach Unit, is focused on improving safety in both downtown business areas. It proactively addresses concerns such as open drug use, disorderly behaviour, vandalism, and aggressive conduct, and how these issues affect people’s sense of safety and the local economy.

 

This initiative combines a visible police presence with care and compassion. Foot patrols include a social navigator and community inclusion supports to connect people with services for addiction, mental health, or housing needs whenever possible. When individuals decline support or continue behaviour that is not permitted, officers take consistent, lawful, and fair enforcement action.

 

This work relies on strong partnerships, and I thank our community and social service partners for their ongoing commitment to long‑term solutions.

 

We are also strengthening our Service by welcoming new officers to our front‑line teams. Last month, seven new constables were sworn in, and additional recruits will join us after completing police academy. These recruits help us meet day‑to‑day demands while building for the future of policing in our community.

 

I extend my sincere thanks to our sworn and civilian members, community partners, and residents. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and together we continue working toward a safer, more supportive community for everyone.

SIU concludes Thunder Bay investigation

October 2, 2026
The Special Investigations Unit announced it has closed its investigation into an incident involving Thunder Bay Police Service officers that occurred in June 2026. The SIU found no basis to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence and concluded their investigation with no further process. With the conclusion of the SIU investigation, the Thunder Bay Police Service will now commence its required administrative review in accordance with Section 81 of the Community Safety and Policing Act. The purpose of the administrative investigation is to review member conduct, the policing provided, and procedures all as they relate to the incident. This administrative review will be reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service Board upon completion. The Special Investigations Unit media release can be viewed online: https://www.siu.on.ca/en/news_template.php?nrid=11497

Update: Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to arrest

September 25, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit and Operational Support Unit were dispatched to a business in the Court Street South area at approximately 10:05 AM on September 25, 2026, in response to a weapons call for service. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. A search of the accused led to the seizure of two-edged weapons. As a result of the investigation 24-year-old Silas KING from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Uttering threats – damage property Mischief under $5,000 Resist peace officer Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation leads to seizure of roughly $25,000 worth of illegal drugs

September 25, 2026
TB26038465 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in September 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. On September 23, 2026, officers with the Emergency Task Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Ogden Street area. A search of the home led to the seizure of roughly four grams of suspected crack cocaine and under one gram of suspected fentanyl, along with other items associated with drug trafficking. During the search two suspects were located and arrested. Later that same day officers located and arrested a third suspect. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a loaded firearm, as well as over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, 27 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 9 hydromorphone tablets. The street value of the seized drugs is approximately $25,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Boiyce NIEMI 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 (two counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Unauthorized possession of prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order As a result of the investigation 49-year-old Chris Robert MORIN 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 • Failure to comply with release order As a result of the investigation 46-year-old William GODICK 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 All of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.