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.

Patrol teams connect with community Project Support is an initiative focused on improving safety and stability in the downtown core. It began in April in response to concerns about open drug use, disorderly behaviour, vandalism, aggressive behaviour, trespassing, and the impact these issues have on businesses, residents, and public confidence. The first point of contact helps assess each person’s needs and connect them with supports such as addiction treatment, mental health services, housing help, and other community resources. So far, results include: 4,100+ community engagements 199 Social Navigator referrals 39 arrests 25 Provincial Offence Notices numerous trespass enforcement actions Many of the arrests were associated with warrants. What is a warrant arrest? Warrants are issued by a judge for new crimes or for missing a court date. Officers must arrest a person named in a warrant The arrested person is taken to court to face a judge.

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

Project Support: Downtown Core Stabilization Q. What is it? A. The pilot project began on April 20 and will continue for 60 days. It involves teams conducting visible foot patrols in North and South downtown cores to deter disorder, respond quickly to concerns, and increase public confidence. Each patrol team is paired with a Social Navigator and/or Community Integration Team (CIT) Coordinator, ensuring service engagement is the first point of contact. Individuals are offered referrals to addiction treatment, mental health services, housing supports, and other appropriate resources. Q. What sort of safety concerns led to this project? A. We’re responding to concerns we’ve heard consistently about unsafe behaviours, trespassing, vandalism, public intoxication. This is a proactive initiative aimed at improving safety in shared public spaces in downtown cores. Our goal is to help connect people with the assistance that best suits their needs. Q. How does this address the needs of people? A. Our focus and first contact is outreach. Our main goal is to connect people with the most appropriate social services to suit their needs. Criminal enforcement may be pursued if disruptive or illegal behaviours in shared public spaces in downtown cores persists. Q. Will this reduce police availability for other calls for service? A. The initiative is being operated by our Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit and will not directly impact Primary Response Unit staffing or response time.

Police Services Hero of the Year Award Nominees Three Thunder Bay Police Service members have been nominated for provincial Police Service Hero Awards. The Police Association of Ontario program invites members of the public to nominate their heroes for their bravery, dedication, and community contributions. Winners will be announced and celebrated on May 28. Congratulations to these TBPS nominees: Ken Ogima – On-Duty Difference Maker (Uniform) On December 26, 2024, Cst. Ken Ogima responded to a call involving an armed male on Hwy 11/17. When the suspect pointed a firearm at Cst. Josh Pugh and discharged a round into a police cruiser, Cst. Ogima made a split-second decision. Firing one round, he stopped the threat and prevented serious harm or death to his colleague. Officers then provided first aid. Cst. Ogima’s decisive, courageous actions reflect exceptional bravery and a steadfast commitment to protecting life under extreme risk. Sergeant Sean Shorrock – Community Role Model  Sgt. Sean Shorrock has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication through his long-standing involvement with the Thunder Bay Police Youth Corps. Since 1998, he has mentored youth, helping build confidence, leadership, and community engagement. As Commanding Officer, he has guided the program’s growth, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to develop life skills and positive relationships with police. His influence extends beyond the program, inspiring youth to pursue education, service, and leadership. Sgt. Shorrock’s commitment has strengthened community connections and made a lasting impact on countless young people

From March 1 – 7, 2026: · Officers responded to 885 Calls · 911 Calls received: 1,750 · Total calls received: 4,061 

Online Reporting: freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents Since launching a new online reporting service last February, the Thunder Bay Police Service has become a national leader in the use of the technology. The reporting platform allows more types of non-emergency incidents to be reported online from anywhere, while making it easier for users to upload photos or videos as evidence. The system redirects thousands of calls away from frontline response, freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents. 677 online reports were submitted in January, 2026. “This is a good example of one of the many ways we enhance efficiency,” noted Chief Darcy Fleury. “The community has access to a convenient reporting tool, and officers can focus on priority responses.” People can use the online portal to report theft, vandalism, fraud, traffic violations, and missing identification. The platform also allows people to have links to specific report types sent directly to them by text message. Users receive a confirmation once the report has been submitted and can choose to receive updates on the status of their report. Daniyar Akhmedjanov, Co-founder of Rubicon - the online reporting platform – was recently in Thunder Bay to see how our team members have grown the system. “TBPS has built one of the most developed virtual/alternate response operations in the country – so we came to learn from the best (and bring those lessons back to other agencies),” he said. 

Multi-unit calls on the rise There has been a steady growth in the number of times multiple officers are needed to respond to a call for service. 

Your Questions Answered: Q. Why are there repeat offenders out committing crimes? A. A new “Bail and Sentencing Reform Act” aims to increase public safety and make it more difficult for people to reoffend. It is under consideration by Parliament. Many people – including police - are frustrated when they see repeat offenders. After police lay charges, release decisions are made by the courts. Police leaders across Ontario, including ours, support bail reform to better address repeat and high-risk offenders. In the meantime, we continue to lay charges, request appropriate release conditions, and work with justice and community partners to help prevent further crime. Q. If police know about a house where drugs are being sold, why can’t they just shut it down? A. Police work hard to address drug-related activity in neighbourhoods. Police need solid, lawful evidence that meets the requirements for warrants and charges that will hold up in court. It helps to get calls from the community about suspected drug activity. Sometimes, even after arrests, drug activity can continue because: New people take over, especially in organized groups. The property can’t be seized even though arrests were made. Landlords must follow their own legal steps. Accused individuals may be released while awaiting trial and return to the same place.