September 2025
September 8, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service continues its Chat with the Chief community information sessions this fall.
"As your Chief of Police, I believe open dialogue is the foundation of trust,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “These events are your space to ask questions, voice concerns, and help us build a safer, stronger community together. Every comment matters, and every voice is welcome."
Join Chief Darcy Fleury:
- October 15 at 6:00 pm at the Mary JL Black Library
- November 12 at 12:30 pm at Confederation College
Everyone is welcome to submit questions in advance at https://forms.office.com/r/gr91tUJkkv.
A 911 call unfolds
There's been a motor vehicle accident and someone is injured. Several witnesses call 911.
At the Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters, communications operators first confirm the location and nature of the incident. They then enter the information into a dispatch system that prioritizes calls based on urgency.
Coordinating the response:
- Both police and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue (TBFR) are dispatched, since there is an injury, possible extrication may be required and/or hazards around the damaged vehicles.
- Operators connect callers with Superior North EMS to assess the medical needs, dispatch their units, and give first aid instruction to the caller.
- The TBPS and TBFR Dispatcher keep in contact with police and firefighters to share information to aid their response.
- Operators collect contact information of callers/witnesses for possible follow-up.
On the scene:
- Saving lives is the priority for all responders. Once victims are given aid and made safe, the Sergeant on scene will decide if the accident requires an investigation. If so, the road may be closed to preserve the scene and allow the Traffic division to collect evidence, document the accident and interview witnesses. They may also conduct tests to determine whether any drivers are impaired.
Investigation and follow-up:
- Investigating officers dictate their reports, which are transcribed by our records department. Additional interviews and follow-up calls may be performed by the appropriate officers in the days to come. Arrests or charges depend on the outcome of the investigation.
The calm in crisis:
- “Their work is often unseen, but it is essential. From handling complex technology to making life-saving decisions in seconds — communications officers are the silent lifeline connecting the community to safety.”
- Megan Petzel, Manager of the Communications Centre
The accident scenario shows one of many ways the highly trained Communications Centre team works behind the scenes.
At each operator’s workstation are seven active screens supporting critical pieces of the emergency response process. Here’s how they serve you:
- Rapid response begins with a high-tech system that lets us answer all 911, emergency, and non-emergency calls via a headset and screen.
- Computer-Aided Dispatch means we can dispatch officers and firefighters within seconds.
- We use the Records Management System to check past reports, address history, officer safety alerts and more to prepare officers before they even arrive at a call.
- We have specific tools for texting a person who can’t speak during an emergency. When someone is hiding, threatened, or physically unable to talk, this ensures no one is left unheard.
- Advanced mapping and location tools are used to find people who can’t describe where they are. We’ve located missing persons, responded to domestic violence situations, and helped track people in mental health distress who didn’t know their own location.
- Specialized tools and real-time location data are used to track suspects — aiding in everything from robbery cases to locating stolen property.
- When disaster strikes or call volume surges, we rely on real-time data monitoring and trend tracking to adapt quickly, maintain service, and ensure emergency resources are used effectively.
- Operators expertly manage the programs while also listening to multiple police radio channels, dispatching officers, tracking their safety, and passing along critical information in real-time. This is how communications operators answer the call.
Interesting in Answering the Call? We are currently accepting applications for Communication Operator positions and encourage all candidates who are seeking a rewarding career, who value diversity and are committed to providing our community with exceptional service to apply. Visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers/communication-operator
Update from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board
The Board looks forward to a productive and eventful month ahead. The Board’s next meeting is September 16th, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Watch the next meeting LIVE here: https://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html
TB26025124 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers were dispatched to the Victoria Avenue East area on June 29, 2026, just before 9:30 PM in response to reports of individuals using bear spray. On scene, two victims were located and the individuals received treatment from emergency services. One of the individuals was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The involved suspects had left the scene prior to officers arriving. A search of the area led to six suspects being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) · Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose · Pointing a firearm · Failure to comply with an undertaking A 15-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) · Failure to comply with release order A 16-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) · Failure to comply with release order A 14-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) · Failure to comply with release order An additional 14-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) A 17-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) The 17-year-old from Thunder Bay who is facing two charges was released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearances. The identity of the accused cannot be released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
TB26024150, TB26024243 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On June 23, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit began an investigation following a call for service regarding a stolen vehicle. Further investigation led to a stolen vehicle being located later that same day, and a suspect being identified. Officers with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit located and arrested the suspect while on patrol as part of Project Support on June 24, 2026. Further investigation determined that the accused was also connected to an additional active investigation, leading to additional charges. As a result of both investigation, 32-year-old Christian NEEKAN from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (two counts) • Operation while prohibited (two counts) • Fail to comply with a probation order(two counts) • Theft of motor vehicle • Break, enter a place to commit indictable offence • Driving while under suspension (two counts) (Highway Traffic Act) The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
TB26024146 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illicit drugs and a firearm. On June 23, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to a business on Memorial Avenue in response to a call for service regarding an individual who may have been in possession of a firearm. Further investigation and a search of the area led to a suspect being identified, located, and arrest. The Intelligence Unit became involved in the investigation. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a revolver style handgun, over 1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, and over $5,000 in cash. As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Jasiah MCNICOLLS of Richmond Hill is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – (opioid) • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.
