September 2026
Chat with the Chief
Chat with the Chief events are information sessions where community members have their questions answered by Chief Darcy Fleury. Open dialogue builds both understanding and trust.
“Listening to the people of Thunder Bay is essential to how we move forward as a police service," explained TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury.
"Community input has already shaped important initiatives like Project Support, and we want to continue building on that progress together.”
Here are some questions and answers that were discussed at the Chat with the Chief event held at 55 Plus Centre on Sept 3.
Q: There were several questions about how TBPS addresses public disorder, open drug use and property crime.
A: Project Support strengthens public safety through visible patrols, community engagement, enforcement, and connections to local services. The initiative came about as a result of conversations with the community.
Q: Where do Project Support patrols happen?
A: They began in the north and south downtown cores and later expanded to other business areas, while continuing in the downtown areas.
Q: Why do some officers wear tactical gear while patrolling?
A: These officers are members of our Emergency Task Unit. They are specially trained and must be prepared to respond immediately to high-risk incidents.
Other Questions:
Q: If officers are attending a call, can they be called away to a higher priority?
A: Yes, this can happen when a response is required for a new call that involves an immediate threat to life, serious injury, or public safety and requires an urgent police response.
Q: What can be done about problem properties?
A: Housing conditions, maintenance issues, and landlord-tenant disputes are handled under civil and municipal laws rather than the Criminal Code. Police become involved when there is suspected criminal activity. Community members are encouraged to contact our non-emergency line at 807-684-1200 to report suspicious activity. Information helps to build cases and get search warrants. Several investigations have resulted in multiple arrests, often with assistance from information from the community.
Q: What happens to the cash and drugs seized during investigations?
A: The items are held as evidence until court proceedings are finished. After that, drugs are incinerated. Cash must be given to the Ministry of the Attorney General to support victim compensation and Community Safety and Policing Grants.
Mark your calendar! Chat with Chief Darcy Fleury at the Waverly Library November 18. Symposium is at 5:30 pm and the event begins at 6:00 pm. To submit your questions in advance click here: Chat with the Chief - Fall 2026
From cadet to police officer
People often ask about the journey from cadet to police officer. Here are some common questions and answers.
Q. Are cadets paid?
A. Yes. Cadets are employees of the Thunder Bay Police Service who receive pay throughout their Cadet journey. They start on a 12-month contract and continue to receive bi-weekly pay cheques even while away at Ontario Police College.
Q. Do you need a specific college or university program to apply?
A. No. To be eligible to apply for the Cadet program, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Post-secondary education can strengthen your application, but it is not required.
Q. How long does it take to go from cadet to police officer?
A. Timing can vary, but it usually takes 6 to 12 months. This includes applying, completing assessments, interviewing, undergoing background checks and completing the 12-week Basic Constable Training at the Ontario Police College.
Q. Do cadets have to pay for Police College?
A. No. At this time, there is no tuition cost to the Basic Constable Training Program. This is due to a recent government initiative to boost police recruitment and alleviate any financial barriers for aspiring police offers.
Q. What do cadets do?
A. Cadets work alongside experienced officers and civilian members while learning about the many areas of policing. Through hands-on experience, training, and exposure to different areas in the Service, cadets build practical skills, develop their understanding of community policing, and prepare for a future as a Police Constable.
Q. Do you have to be in your 20s to become a police officer?
A. Not at all. Many TBPS officers began their policing careers after working in other fields, including business, healthcare, trades, education, customer service, the military, and social services. Their previous experience brings valuable skills, knowledge, and life experience to policing.
If you are considering a career in policing, you do not have to do it alone. We will support you throughout your journey.
Answer the Call: learn more about our cadet program at https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers/cadet-program. Visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers for career opportunities.
Buying or selling online?
Whether you’re buying or selling, make the exchange safely in the designated Safe Trade Zone at 1200 Balmoral Street. Using the safe trade space at our headquarters protects you from theft, robbery, and violence when completing online marketplace transactions.
Submit your questions any time at news@thunderbaypolice.ca
Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board
After a busy summer, the Board is pleased to continue our work with a new addition to our team.
New Executive Director
The Board is pleased to announce Christy Radbourne as the Board’s new Executive Director.
Radbourne is a seasoned educator, leader, researcher, and former federal law enforcement professional, bringing more than two decades of experience in public education, and a decade of investigative service in the United States.
Her law enforcement career focused on complex investigations involving fraud, domestic terrorism, internal corruption and environmental crimes, working closely with prosecutors and within the court system.
After immigrating to Canada, she built a distinguished career in education, serving as Director of Education and Chief Executive Officer of the Keewatin Patricia District School Board and as a Student Achievement Officer with the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Christy is currently pursuing doctoral studies, with a focus on equity-focused leadership, Indigenous education, strategic planning and community partnerships.
Christy lives in Thunder Bay with her partner. She is a mother to two children.
Welcome Christy!
Read more about our new Executive Director here: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Press-Release-New-Board-Executive-Director.pdf
Board Meetings Resume
The next board meeting is Tuesday, September 15.
The Board welcomes members of the public and media to attend meetings in-person, at Board Headquarters at 1111 Victoria Ave E, Unit #102.
Board Meetings are also broadcast live locally on Rogers TV Thunder Bay (Channel 10 and 105 for Rogers Cable subscribers.)
The Board meeting is streamed live, with livestream info posted publicly on social media, closer to the meeting date.
