August 2026

Understanding Police Response Priorities

In July, 4,856 calls were logged. Of those, 2,987 were priority 1, 2 or 3.

Every call for service is important, but not every call requires the same level of response. Calls are assigned a priority level from 1 to 9 based on the information available at the time, and that priority can change as new information is received.

Priority 1 to 3 calls involve an immediate threat to life, serious injury, or public safety and require an urgent police response.

Priority 4 to 6 calls require police attention but do not involve an immediate risk of harm.

Priority 7 to 9 calls can often be resolved over the phone or through alternative reporting options.

Some examples of the priority 1-3 calls received in July are:

·        Assault

·        Intimate Partner Violence

·        Mental Health Act

·        Robbery

·        Weapons

·        Break & Enter

·        Motor Vehicle Collision

·        Unwanted Person

·        Disturb the Peace

·        Person Welfare Check

·        Suspicious Person

·        Ambulance Assist

·        Theft

·        Animal Cruelty

The volume and urgency of these calls highlight the important work of our primary response officers, who respond with professionalism and compassion to keep our community safe.

Did you Know? A Motor Vehicle Collision may be classified between priority 1 and 7. In general, a collision involving serious injuries, a fatality, criminal behaviour, or a significant public safety hazard will receive a higher-priority response than a minor property-damage collision where vehicles are safely off the roadway and no offences are apparent.

Special Constables: Strengthening Community Safety

Special constables are peace officers who help keep our community safe. They help relieve pressure on frontline police officers by taking on a range of important duties that do not always require a sworn police officer.

For example, our Housing Safety Unit is comprised of special constables who provide a visible presence in social housing communities, working with police officers, TBDSSAB, and community partners to address safety concerns before they escalate into calls requiring frontline patrol officers.



Special Constables support:

·        Custody management and prisoner transport

·        Court security and supervision

·        Housing and community safety initiatives

·        Non-emergency incident response

·        Crime prevention and community outreach

·        Supporting vulnerable populations and quality-of-life concerns

Answer the Call: A career as a Special Constable offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community working in a law enforcement environment.

Visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers for career opportunities

Missing Persons: Acting Fast Matters

In 2025, we responded to 810 missing person reports, including 21 urgent cases where there was an immediate risk.

Do you have to wait to report someone missing?

No, there is no waiting period. You can report someone missing right away. Every report is taken seriously because time matters, and officers begin work immediately. Most missing people are found quickly and safely.

When a report is received, officers gather information and assess the risk. Cases involving children, vulnerable people, or suspicious circumstances are treated as a priority.

Police follow leads by speaking with family and witnesses, checking surveillance, and reviewing digital activity when needed. Searches may involve specialized units, such as canine or drone teams, and involve coordination with hospitals, shelters, and community partners. In some cases, information is shared with the public to help find the person.

Officers stay in contact with families throughout the process as new information comes in.

Every case is different, but the goal is always the same: to find the person and ensure they are safe.

If you think someone is missing, trust your instincts and call police right away—reporting early gives the best chance of finding them quickly.