News
The Shift
The Thunder Bay Police Service is pleased to share features and information about the people, programs and services that keep our community safe.
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
The Primary Response Branch represents the members most often in contact with people in need of police support - front-line Patrol Platoons, Emergency Task Unit, Canine Unit, the IMPACT Unit and Traffic Unit, the call-back unit and front desk. 2024 police-reported crime This month, Statistics Canada released the police-reported crime data for 2024. The detailed Main Metrics include: Crime counts: Total number of incidents reported. Crime rates: Number of incidents per 100,000 population. Crime Severity Index (CSI), which measures how often crimes happen and how severe they are, from year to year. Thunder Bay's average is higher than both the province and the national averages for crime severity. TBPS continues to have clearance rates above the national average, which indicate how effectively our dedicated members are addressing violent crimes. Clearance rates refer to the percentage of reported crimes that are investigated and result in charges laid. The non-violent crime severity index includes such crimes as property and drug offences.
Community questions answered We’re answering your questions submitted to news@thunderbaypolice.ca. "If officers are really busy, how do they have time for things like community walks and serving pizza?" We’re proud to be part of community events because it’s a great way to support important causes and connect with people. A lot of our officers and staff even volunteer their own time to help out and show their support. Our Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit and Community Inclusion Team members also get involved to build stronger relationships with the community. Being present is part of serving our community. How does TBPS support vulnerable people? The Thunder Bay Police Service works to protect vulnerable people by focusing on major issues like guns, gangs, and drugs—crimes that often affect and even target those who are most vulnerable. Concentrating on these activities directly reduces incidents of violence and improves public safety. On a daily basis, our approach is compassionate and community-focused, aiming to improve safety and well-being: Mental Health Response: Our IMPACT teams pair police officers with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) workers to respond to crisis calls. In the first year, the program reached over 1,600 people. Support and Training: Officers are trained to de-escalate situations and connect people with support services. A Social Navigation Coordinator also helps individuals access care and reduce repeat interactions with police. Community Partnerships: We work with 30+ local organizations to address social challenges through collaboration and ongoing dialogue. Advocacy and Awareness: We know police aren’t always the right resource. Our Social Navigator links people to the help they need and advocates for more funding and public awareness to support long-term solutions. We're Hiring What if your next job wasn’t just about earning a paycheque — but creating real, lasting change in your community? At the Thunder Bay Police Service, you don’t just work. You protect, support, and inspire. Every call. Every shift. Every moment — it counts. A new career with serious purpose starts here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers Update from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board This month, the Board said goodbye to a long-serving and dedicated public servant, Board Secretary/Administrator John Hannam. The Board would like to thank and recognize John for his invaluable service, commitment, and dedication to the Board. We congratulate John on his upcoming retirement and wish him all the best. Thank you to our media partners for sharing this news with our communities: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/after-decades-with-the-police-board-senior-administrator-calls-it-a-career-10822861 Also in June, the Board released its inaugural Annual Report (2024.) Coming up in July, the Board will release its Q2 report. The Thunder Bay Police Service Board was proud to participate in two flag-raising ceremonies this month: The raising of the Anishinabek Nation flag in recognition of National Indigenous People’s Day and The raising of the Progress Pride flag in recognition of Pride Month.
Community questions answered We’re happy to answer these questions submitted to news@thunderbaypolice.ca. How does TBPS combat retail thefts? Communities across the country are experiencing retail thefts due complex economic, social, and systemic factors. In one month (April 27 – May 27), TBPS responded to 263 calls related to Thefts. To interrupt this activity, TBPS officers in plain clothes attend stores posing as customers. When they witness theft, officers take suspects into custody. Our Break, Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit members spent time monitoring different retail areas over the course of multiple days. This resulted in several arrests for theft, including one of a person who was wanted on a robbery charge. Primary Response officers watch for theft activity while on patrol. Store windows that are free of obstructions such as posters give officers a clear line of sight from the road. Retail spaces can be planned to enhance staff safety and deter criminal activity. Our officers share advice to businesses that helps to open sightlines, improve, reduce hiding spots, increase the chance of detecting suspicious behavior, limit access to high-value or commonly targeted merchandise. How does TBPS help youth stay away from criminal activities? Protecting youth is a priority and shared responsibility. We are pleased to collaborate on activities to keep youth safe. These are just a few examples: School Resource Officers improve student safety in and around schools. They play a key role in building relationships between students and police. In 2024, School Resource Officers delivered 40 presentations to youth regarding Online Safety, Bullying, Gang Prevention and Student Safety. In September 2024, Voices of Resilience: Gang Prevention Through Experience reached about 2,500 grade 7 and 8 students at local and regional schools. Our Community-Oriented Response & Engagement and Community Inclusion Teams engage with members of our community at countless events and activities. Many of these, like the Sk8 Collaborative, are focused on youth. TBPS members participate in Camp Loon – an outreach program for youth between 12 and 18 from remote Indigenous communities in the north. Our involvement provides training in leadership skills and activities which may not be available to them at home. More Action. More Opportunity. Working in a busy municipal police service means every day brings new challenges—and new chances to grow. From frontline response to specialized units, your career path is yours to shape. Serve Where You Live. Protect What Matters Most. Stay close to home while making a real difference. Our officers protect the communities they live in—because there’s no greater motivation than keeping your own streets safe. If you’re looking for a rewarding, exciting and ever-changing career, answer the call. Join our team through either our Cadet or Experienced Officers program. To learn more about career opportunities at TBPS, visit thunderbaypolice.ca/careers.
On Tuesday, April 22, TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury hosted a Chat with the Chief at BGC Thunder Bay. Very rich and candid conversations occurred between Chief Fleury and community members. Below are some of the questions and answers discussed. What feedback does Chief Fleury hear most often from community members? People ask for more police presence in neighbourhoods. We want this, too. Our current reality is that Primary Response officers are constantly attending priority calls. In addition to responding to calls for service in real-time, our focus has been on guns and gangs. We focused on getting drugs, guns and criminals off the streets, and there is more to be done in this area before we can dedicate officers to neighbourhood policing. How does TBPS support victims of crime? The safety and wellness of victims is a top priority. Trauma-informed approaches are applied to interactions with victims, witnesses, and suspects. Our dedicated Intimate Partner Violence and Human Trafficking investigators are specifically trained to minimize victim re-traumatization during investigations. These investigators are strongly connected with local agencies that support and advocate for victims. The TBPS Social Navigation Coordinator links victims of crime with the services they may need. What happens when a person complains about a police officer? The Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) handles intake of public complaints about police officers. LECA is an independent oversight agency that makes sure complaints against police officers are taken seriously and investigated accordingly. Anyone can file a complaint through the LECA (online or by mail) or at the police station. LECA reviews complaints against their guidelines/rules to determine if a full investigation is appropriate. If suitable, LECA might offer a chance to resolve the issue informally. If an investigation is needed, LECA will determine whether it is to be conducted by TBPS Professional Standards, an outside police service, or if LECA themselves will retain the investigation. The person making the complaint will be provided with the Final Report outlining the findings of the investigation and can appeal the findings with LECA if they are unsatisfied. Once the investigation is complete, if misconduct is found, the officer may face penalties. Although uncommon, this can include possible hearings. The person making the complaint will be told the outcome and any action taken. In 2024, 64 complaints were made about TBPS officers. Of those: 31 were determined by LECA to not merit an investigation and 10 were resolved locally (a process to resolve complaints before they go formal. These complaints are received and dealt with directly at the police station). Of the 23 remaining complaints: 5 were unsubstantiated; 2 were withdrawn; 1 was resolved informally (which can occur during an investigation); 6 were terminated/suspended investigations; and 9 remained ongoing into 2025. Have a question for the Chief? Join Chief Darcy Fleury for a “Chat with the Chief”: Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm (symposium at 5:30) Waverley Resource Library, Red River Road Everyone is welcome. Anyone can submit questions in advance at https://forms.office.com/r/cuPSF5LFrH. Special Constables appointed Earlier this month, TBPS formally welcomed seven new Special Constables to the service. Special Constables are civilian employees, meaning they are not police officers, but they are granted some of the powers and responsibilities of a peace officer and are tasked with specific duties. The Special Constables were required to complete training as outlined under the Community Safety and Policing Act, with a final examination through the Ontario Police College. All were successful and sworn in as Special Constables. TBPS is dedicated to education and training and focuses on fostering a learning environment. Recently sworn-in Special Constables Aaron Bogensberger, Jordyn Paris, Mitch Beaulieu, Alanna Hughes, Francesco Leuzzi, Jennifer Porter-McKever, and David Goose. Answer the call. To learn more about career opportunities at TBPS, visit thunderbaypolice.ca/careers. Update from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board: In April, the board released its Q1/2025 report. You can read the report here: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Thunder-Bay-Police-Service-Board-Q1-Report-2025.pdf The Board is excited to move forward with the hiring of a new Executive Director. A recruitment process is underway, with the Board engaging Phelps Canada to conduct a search of suitable executive and leadership candidates. A formal job posting will soon be publicly available. The need for an Executive Director was first identified in the 2018 Sinclair Report by the late Senator Murray Sinclair, who noted: “Given the extensive recommendations in the report, it’s suggested this become a full-time position for several years.” Coming up in May…. The Board’s next meeting is Tuesday May 20th at 10:30 AM. Watch the meeting LIVE: https://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html
In 2024, a total of 267 authentic firearms were seized by TBPS, compared to 139 in 2023. Given the increase in prevalence of firearms and their involvement in the commission of violent crime over recent years, when officers respond to situations where a potential firearm may be present, they must assume that the weapon is real and accessible until proven otherwise. Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit From Jan. 1, 2024, to early March 2025, the BEAR Unit investigated numerous offences, laid more than 500 charges and made more than 275 arrests. The BEAR Unit is a specialty unit with unique investigative training. The BEAR Unit was developed to combat the increasing prevalence of break and enters, thefts and robberies. In addition, the BEAR Unit members are often called upon to arrest high-risk suspects wanted on warrants. Chat with the Chief – Mark your calendar Everyone is welcome to “Chat with the Chief” events. These events allow TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury and other leaders to provide updates and answer questions from community members. Upcoming events: Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 pm BCG Thunder Bay, Windsor Street Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm (symposium at 5:30) Waverly Resource Library, Red River Road Anyone who prefers to submit questions in advance can complete a short, anonymous survey at https://forms.office.com/r/cuPSF5LFrH, Questions for the Chief can be submitted at any time to news@thunderbaypolice.ca. Balancing High-Stakes Calls with Heartfelt Teamwork Chantel Randell was looking for a career change where she could have a real impact. Today, as a TBPS 911 Communications Operator, Chantel makes a difference every single shift. Emergency calls are unpredictable and managing them takes skill. “The ever-changing nature of the work is one of the aspects I truly enjoy,” Chantel says. Communication and team trust are essential in ensuring callers get the help they need, and first responders receive accurate information. “This is where the strength of our teamwork truly shines,” Chantel says. “There was one call that took everything we had—our focus, our energy, and our teamwork,” Chantel recalls. After the crisis, the team took time to check in with each other and share a moment of self-care, even sharing ice cream to decompress. “We have each other’s backs. This is what sets us apart.” April 13 – 19 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time to celebrate the dedicated and talented 911 Operators who are essential to emergency responses. Thank you to the valued members of the TBPS Communications team. Answer the call. Interested in a career as a 911 Operator? The pay is great, and the schedule is 4-on-4-off. To learn more, visit thunderbaypolice.ca/careers. Updates from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board In March, the Board reviewed the results of the 2024 Citizens’ Satisfaction and Trust Survey Results for the Thunder Bay Police Service. A key theme is disparities across demographics, with results noting a substantial difference in how younger and lower-income respondents perceive and experience policing. Overall: The majority of total respondents feel very or somewhat safe in Thunder Bay, and 82% would contact the police if they were a victim of crime or were worried about something. However, 53% of Indigenous respondents say they do not feel safe in Thunder Bay, and 65% would be willing to contact the TBPS if they were the victim of a crime or were worried about something. 68% of total respondents feel that TBPS officers would treat them with respect if they had contact with them for any reason. Of the respondents who had contact with TBPS in the prior 12 months, 77% felt they were treated respectfully to a large extent or to some extent by the officer or staff member. The top concerns for policing efforts identified by respondents are violence, illegal firearms, and drug-related issues. Almost half of respondents want the police to prioritize patrolling neighbourhoods and interacting with residents. Respondents said that outside of police, efforts to address addictions, mental health, and affordable housing issues play a critical role in improving community safety. 52% of respondents feel “working with diverse people and communities” are the most important police actions required to keep their community safe. Survey results inform ongoing strategic and operational planning. To read the full survey, visit https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Thunder-Bay-Public-Safety-Pulse-Report-2024-corrected.pdf TBPS Board in the Community The Thunder Bay Police Service Board was proud to sponsor and participate in the ICTC 35th Annual Powwow at Lakehead University from March 7th-9th. The full highlights from the March 18th board meeting are available at: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TBPSB-Meeting-Highlights-March-18-2025_Updated.pdf Coming up for the Board in April: The TBPSB will release its 2025 Q1 Report. The Board's next meeting is on Tues. April 15th. Watch the meeting LIVE at https://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html
Latest Media Release
A unique opportunity for admirers of Norval Morrisseau’s artwork will be part of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s first Gala, supported by a donation of limited edition prints from the Estate of world-renowned artist Norval Morrisseau. Two identical pairs of framed prints are now available through an online auction site: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/thunder-bay-police-services-charity-auction The rest of these remarkable works will be auctioned at the Gala, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Thunder Bay and The Boys and Girls Club. The limited-edition serigraphs, created under the direct supervision of Mr. Morrisseau, showcase his dedication to quality and authenticity. Each print was produced using plates that were destroyed after printing, ensuring their exclusivity. Four of the prints available at the Gala are personally titled and signed by the artist, each accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity, further enhancing their value as rare collectibles. Prints available for auction at the Gala include: • Family (2004): A limited-edition serigraph exploring themes of interconnectedness. • Mother and Child (2004): A celebrated serigraph depicting nurturing spiritual themes. • Gabe (2004): A serigraph featuring Morrisseau’s business manager and adopted son, Gabe Vadas, a significant figure in his later life. • Self-Portrait (2004): A reflective work capturing the artist’s own image, typical of his later years. Additionally, two identical pairs of prints will be available via the Online Auction, entitled “Bird Family” and “Bear Cub Learning from Bird Family.” “We are incredibly thankful and excited that the Estate of Norval Morrisseau has chosen to support the Thunder Bay Police Services Charity Gala in this extraordinary way,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “We are confident that these remarkable works will help raise much-needed funds for Special Olympics Thunder Bay and The Boys and Girls Club.” The Thunder Bay Police Services Charity Gala promises to be an inspiring evening celebrating the men and women of the Service and the community. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to own a piece of Canadian art history while supporting vital local charities. To purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/thunder-bay-police-services-gala-2026-tickets-1864559741379?aff=oddtdtcreator Follow Thunder Bay Police Service social media channels to stay up to date on the auctions. About Norval Morrisseau: Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007) was a ground-breaking Anishinaabe artist, celebrated for pioneering the Woodland style and profoundly influencing Indigenous art in Canada and internationally. The Estate is deeply thankful for the Thunder Bay Police Services’ role in uncovering, arresting, and securing convictions against those involved in forgery rings that have negatively impacted Morrisseau’s legacy.
Latest Message from The Chief
I take my responsibility to the community seriously. Asking for a budget increase isn’t easy, and people deserve to understand why it’s needed and what value they get for their tax dollars. For 2026, the Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting a 9.1% net operating budget increase. The bottom line is simple: the community is asking for more police resources, experts agree they’re needed, and the data shows they make a real difference in public safety. Calls for service continue to rise, and the nature of those calls is changing. In 2024, 60% of our calls were high-priority (Priority 1–3), meaning there was an immediate threat to life or serious injury. Nearly one in four calls were Priority 1 — the most serious, often involving weapons. These calls require two or more officers and can tie up resources for hours, which affects response times for other calls. Every call matters, but increasing high-risk calls are putting real pressure on the system. We work closely with more than 30 local partners through the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan to prevent crime and support people’s success. Programs like School Resource Officers, the IMPACT mental-health response team, social navigation supports, and youth engagement initiatives help prevent harm, connect people to services, and reduce pressure on the front line. Many are grant-funded, but we need the capacity to sustain and support them. Our budget request reflects what we’re hearing from the community. In the most recent Community Satisfaction Surveys, 88% of respondents said more police presence and faster response times are the most important ways to keep Thunder Bay safe, and crime is the top issue residents want Council to address. An independent staffing review also strongly recommended increasing front-line officers. We’re listening. This budget will increase our deployable workforce — meaning more officers available to respond. This investment helps maintain safe service levels, reduce overtime, and support officer wellness. We also serve up to 30,000 more people than official numbers suggest — which impacts calls, response times, and costs. Even so, our service delivery costs are lower than most peers, and our crime clearance rates exceed provincial and national averages. We use grants, partnerships, special constables, and technology to stay efficient — but efficiency has limits. Minimal increases are no longer sustainable here. That’s why I am requesting a 9.1% increase. I strongly support and applaud City Council’s strategy to boost population and economic growth. To attract residents and businesses, safety must come first. This budget is about keeping pace with community needs, protecting public safety, and continuing to deliver strong, evidence-based results with responsible use of public funds.
