June 2026
Community Breakfast
Join us on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a pancake breakfast (while supplies last) and the unveiling of artwork depicting the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
Sunday, June 21
8:00 am – 9:30 am
Thunder Bay Police Service
1200 Balmoral Street parking lot
What we heard: Citizen Survey
The citizen satisfaction survey helps us understand how the community perceives and experiences policing. Responses help to focus on what matters most to the people we serve.
The survey is statistically relevant, meaning the people who responded represent Statistics Canada’s demographics of our community.
Highlights
Safety perceptions are split. 51% feel safe in Thunder Bay.
The top issues making people feel unsafe are tied to disorder (87%), substance use (87%) and homelessness/ encampments (77%).
Of the respondents, 77% report they were not a victim of crime in the past year. Nearly half had contact with police in some capacity.
Highlights
Residents recognize that improving community safety is a shared responsibility.
In terms of playing a critical role, people closely rate the importance of police, addiction services and support, affordable housing, and mental health and wellness.
Highlights
The #1 action we can take that would make people feel more safe is increased police presence.
People would like TBPS to prioritize:
#1 investigating and solving violent crimes and illegal firearms (49%).
#2 patrolling neighbourhoods and interacting with residents.
#3 responding to 911 calls.
Respect: Perception vs Reality
66% believe TBPS would treat them with respect if they had contact for any reason.
94% of people who actually had contact with TBPS say they were treated respectfully.
Survey Says
41% didn’t report a crime because they didn’t think anything would be done
People may feel that nothing is being done if they don’t get updates from police. We recognize that people often hope to get updates after reporting something they’ve seen or are concerned about. Follow-up is not always possible unless further action is required.
Many incidents don’t need further action because they are resolved on scene or enough evidence is provided for officers to move forward. After a serious incident, updates may come from investigators, victim services or someone involved in the court process.
Non-emergency and online reports may be handled by the Resource Unit, which includes the Patrol Support Callback Unit. Officers will follow-up if more information is required by the person reporting.
Why Report?
Every report matters. Information is reviewed, helps identify patterns, supports investigations, and contributes to improving safety in the community.
Online Reporting helps focus resources on urgent calls while ensuring every report is reviewed.
Online reporting is a quick and convenient way to report non-urgent incidents. Evidence like images and video can be submitted this way. Reports are investigated by dedicated police officers. Online reports can and do lead to charges or arrests. Even when they don’t, every report helps police identify suspects and patterns over time, which supports larger investigations.
Survey Says
The top issue people want TBPS to deal with is drug use (62%)
Addressing guns, gangs, and drugs crimes continues to be a top priority. Our approach includes a combination of targeted enforcement, prevention, outreach, and partnerships with community services—focusing on both crime and its root causes. This includes:
- Investigations into trafficking, distribution networks, and organized crime
- Intelligence-led policing and coordinated enforcement efforts
- Responding to firearms-related offences
- Preventing involvement in gangs and drugs through youth engagement and education programs
- Working closely with Health and Social services and community partners to address underlying drivers and impacts
In 2025, our officers seized over $4.5 million worth of drugs and 19 firearms.
Difference Maker
We are proud to announce that civilian member Olivia Gater was awarded the Police Association of Ontario On-Duty Difference Maker Award for her service as a vital bridge between policing and social care, helping vulnerable individuals access the support they need. Olivia works with members across investigative units to provide case management, advocacy, and connections to essential services, and since 2023 has expanded the program's reach, resulting in a 1,000% increase in referrals and an 82% average annual growth rate.
Her compassion and advocacy are evident in the development of initiatives such as ReconnectU and InReach, improving outcomes for individuals in crisis while strengthening community trust in policing.
Congratulations to Olivia on receiving this meaningful Police Services Hero of the Year Awards.
Update from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board
The Board is pleased to share key updates from its May meeting and recent activities.
May 19 Board Meeting Highlights
Approved - Misconduct Reporting Policy, establishing clear procedures for reporting
alleged misconduct by the Chief or Deputy Chiefs under the Community Safety and
Policing Act, 2019.
Re-reviewed - Occupational Health and Safety Policy, outlining responsibilities for
maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring compliance with legislation.
2025 Public Safety in Thunder Bay Survey results were presented:
o Safety perceptions remain split: 51% of residents feel safe; 32% feel unsafe.
o Top concerns: disorder, substance use, homelessness/encampments.
o Residents’ priority areas for policing: drugs and property crime.
o Public perceptions are mixed: enforcement is viewed positively, but residents are
less confident in response speed and community engagement.
o Full report available on the Board’s website: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/transparency-and-accountability/
Chief Fleury Recognized
Chief Darcy Fleury has been appointed a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (M.O.M.).
Statement can be found by clicking here.
National Police Week
Board members joined Chief Fleury and Deputy Chiefs Hughes and Pearson on May 11 for the
official proclamation and flag raising at City Hall.
Board Meetings
Meetings are open to the public/media at 1111 Victoria Ave E, Unit #102.
Broadcast live on Rogers TV Thunder Bay (Channels 10 and 105).
Livestream link provided on Facebook/X, prior to the meeting.
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
