November 2025

December 4, 2025

Collisions – Did you know?

 

The Thunder Bay Collision Reporting Centre is located within the Thunder Bay Police Service station at 1200 Balmoral Street. The collision reporting centre is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

1,535 motor vehicle collisions were reported in the six-month period from January 1 to June 30 of this year. Most collisions:

·        happened in January

·        took place on Fridays (the fewest on Sundays)

·        occurred around 4:00 p.m.

·        took place when conditions were clear and roads were dry. 


Honouring Tradition


As part of our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, our service continues to host Indigenous traditional ceremonies that honour and uphold cultural teachings. These meaningful events are coordinated by Jan Ritchie, Community Inclusion Team Coordinator, and serve as opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection.

 

On October 24, members of the service joined Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Drummers in a traditional feast and cedar ceremony. Cedar, one of the four sacred medicines, is known for offering protection and cleansing. Cedar bows can be found throughout our headquarters as a reminder of these teachings and the importance of respect for important cultural practices.


Honour Heroes – Empower Community

The Thunder Bay Police Service will host its inaugural Gala this coming winter.

 

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding individuals of our service and the community they so proudly serve,” said Chief Darcy Fleury.

 

The TBPS Gala will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Italian Cultural Centre and feature a gourmet dining experience, live musical entertainment, and thrilling live and silent auctions. The TBPS Gala also serves as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Thunder Bay and The Boys and Girls Club - BGC Thunder Bay. These organizations help local children and youth reach their full potential.

 

Learn more about the event and sponsorship opportunities: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/about-us/2026-tbps-gala


Answering the Call: TBPS welcomes Special Constables


Last month, five Special Constables were sworn in at our Service.

From left to right: Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes; TBPA President Colin Woods; Special Constables Jamie Ball, Erin Murphy, and Krystal Wiwcharyk; Chief Darcy Fleury; Special Constables Tristan Johnson and Cole Lambert; Deputy Chief Jeremy Pearson; and Special Constable Supervisor Ashlee Rybak.


These Special Constables will be deployed to Court Services and to the Housing Safety Unit (HSU). HSU Special Constables patrol TBDSSAB-owned and managed buildings and work in tandem with Community-Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) officers.

 

Special Constables are appointed under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA). They are law enforcement officers with limited police powers, authorized to enforce laws within a specific jurisdiction. They are equipped to enforce laws under the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Mental Health Act (in limited roles), and relevant municipal bylaws and housing rules.

 

Interested in Answering the Call? If you’re ready for a rewarding and meaningful career as a Special Constable, or want to learn more about:

·        our cadet program

·        joining as an experienced officer

·        becoming a Communications Operator

·        civilian opportunities

 

Visit Careers in Policing | Thunder Bay Police Service | Thunder Bay. You can also reach out to recruitment@thunderbaypolice.ca.


Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board

New Policy on Service Investigations

 

The Board approved a Governance Committee recommendation for a policy to establish clear standards for investigations conducted by the Service, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 395/23, and to provide a framework for Board oversight and accountability.

 

This policy ensures that the Chief of the Service establishes, maintains, and regularly reviews procedures for investigations, in alignment with applicable legislation, Board policies, and community needs.

 

The new policy applies to all investigations conducted by the Service, as defined by Ontario Regulation 395/23, and applies to all members of the Service involved in investigations, with specific responsibilities assigned to the Chief.

 

Update to Board Chair Bylaw

 

The Board approved a 2023 Independent Expert Panel recommendation that ensures that the Chair of the Board is a non-elected member of the community. This is in recognition of the Board’s status as an independent entity from the Municipality of Thunder Bay, and to ensure the Board’s concerns and business receive the Chair’s undivided attention.

 

TBTNewsWatch.com reported on the change:

https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/council-members-can-no-longer-chair-city-police-board-11378704


Quarterly Reports

 

The Board is pleased to share its 2025 Q3 Report:

https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBPSB-Q3-2025-2-1.pdf

 

Under the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), police services and police service boards are required to file publicly available annual reports. The first annual report under the CSPA was filed in June.

 

Since the beginning of 2024, the Board has been providing additional quarterly reports to the public that will be used to create a final annual report. We hope you will take the opportunity to review the latest report.

 

Executive Director Recruitment

 

In the spring, the Board embarked on a search for a new, full-time Executive Director. The Board has completed two sets of interviews. The Board is hopeful that the new Executive Director will be in place by the November Board meeting.


Vehicle theft investigation leads to several charges

April 14, 2026
TB26013520, TB26013636, TB26013331, TB26013233, TB26013087, TB26012596, TB26013449, TB26012768, TB26008439, TB26600553, TB25600502 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into multiple vehicle thefts has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit began the investigation on March 5, 2026, in response to encountering a stolen vehicle. Two suspects in the case fled from officers on more than one occasion during the investigation. Through the investigation, two suspects connected to the vehicle thefts were identified. On April 13, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect. As a result of the investigation, 35-year-old Jeffrey BARNWELL from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Dangerous operation (four counts) • Flight from peace officer (four counts) • Operation while prohibited (four counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Theft of motor vehicle (two counts) • Fraud under $5,000 • Theft under $5,000 (three counts) • Failure to comply with probation order (four counts) • Failure to comply with release order • Disobey court order • Cause disturbance • Assault with a weapon • Mischief under $5,000 Some of the accused’s charges relate to outstanding warrants. On April 14, 2026, following a police standoff in the Bay Street and Cornwall Avenue area, officers arrested a second suspect. Details regarding the second suspect will be released following their first court appearance.

Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative – Project Support

April 13, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is launching Project Support, a downtown core stabilization initiative. The project, being led by the Thunder Bay Police Service Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit is aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The initiative is aimed at connecting those in need to services. The initiative aims to: • Prioritize service connections for people experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or housing instability • Improve public safety and restore order in shared public spaces • Reduce visible disorder and open drug use in downtown cores • Strengthen collaboration with social service and community partners • Ensure consistent, lawful, and proportionate enforcement “Our approach starts with support. The goal is to meet people where they are, connect them with the right services, and reduce the risks they’re facing,” Operational Support Inspector Jason Rybak. “This isn’t about penalizing poverty or addiction; it’s about improving safety in the downtown cores while focusing enforcement on the individuals who are taking advantage of vulnerable community members.” The initiative is operating in response to ongoing concerns from the business community and the public regarding open drug use, disorderly conduct, vandalism, aggressive behaviours, trespassing, and related impacts on safety, economic activity, and community confidence. This will be carried out through increased foot patrols. The project will begin on April 20, 2026, in downtown cores with patrols focused on: • Transit stops • BIA storefronts • Public plazas • Parking areas • Commercial areas • Pedestrian walking areas • Public gathering areas During patrols, the first step of contact will be a TBPS Social Navigator or Community Inclusion Team Coordinator offering referrals to appropriate services like housing, or addiction supports. Criminal enforcement is the last option and may be pursued if disruptive or illegal behaviours in share public spaces in downtown cores persist.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

April 13, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a week dedicated to honouring the essential work of 911 Operators and Dispatchers who serve as the first point of contact in emergencies. Throughout the week on social media, TBPS will be highlighting the critical role of its Communications Centre. This includes the proper use of 911 services, through a top 10 listing of interesting calls that were received in 2025. 911 Operators and Dispatchers are the first lifeline for people in crisis. When someone calls 911, communicators are the first voice they hear. They assess the situation, gather vital information, and dispatch police and fire services while providing calm, steady guidance during moments of fear, confusion, or danger. In the Thunder Bay Police Service Communications Centre, every call is handled by a trained professional who listens carefully, asks the right questions, and coordinates emergency responses during fast‑moving, high‑risk situations. Their work is often unseen, but it is indispensable to public safety. “As Inspector overseeing our Communications Centre, I see firsthand that every call we receive represents someone’s worst moment and our communications professionals are the calm in that storm,” Operational Support Inspector Jason Rybak. “They are the first lifeline, guiding both the public and our officers with precision, professionalism, and compassion. Their voice brings clarity in chaos, and their work saves lives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and excellence they demonstrate every single day.” The Thunder Bay Police Service extends its sincere appreciation to all 911 Communications Centre staff for their continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the community. Current career opportunities in our Communications Centre can be found here: Communication Operator - Temporary (POOL) | Thunder Bay Police Service |