April 2025

April 7, 2025

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


Intelligence Unit investigation leads to multiple charges

July 23, 2026
TB26028760 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Cameron Street and May Street North area on July 22, 2026. During the search two suspects were located within the home and were arrested. Over $5,000 in Canadian cash, suspected cocaine and oxycodone were also seized. As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Omar HAJI from Toronto, Ontario and 49-year-old Chris MORIN from Thunder Bay are both facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service assault investigation leads to charges

July 22, 2026
TB26027236 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Howe Street and Cumberland Street North area on July 12, 2026, around 6:30 PM in response to a weapons related call for service. On scene, a victim was located with minor injuries. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation 23-year-old Cadence KAKEPETUM of Shuniah is facing the following charges: • Assault with a weapon • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

July 2026

July 22, 2026
In recent weeks, the policing community has been shaken by the deaths of officers in Ontario and Quebec, along with the tragic loss of a constable in training. When officers are victims of violence by criminals, the grief is especially difficult. I encourage our community to think about those who choose to serve, the families who support them, and the commitment they make every day in the interest of public safety. As we continue to honour and remember fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, we are also reminded of the strength, compassion and generosity that define our own community. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our members and to everyone who supported our toy drive for wildfire evacuees. The level of support shown through these donations demonstrates how powerful kindness can be, and that the people of our community can be counted on to help in a time of need. Many people have lost homes, camps and properties, and many are hurting. Many of us are supporting family, friends, neighbours and community members experiencing those losses. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires, and I encourage continued kindness and compassion as we support those who need it most. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police