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.

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.

Youth Corps building tomorrow’s leaders

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