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


Fraud Friday: Thunder Bay Police Service warning residents about call spoofing

September 18, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents about call spoofing, a scam where fraudsters disguise their phone number to make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate source including banks, government agencies, or even police services. Scammers use spoofed numbers to pressure victims into providing personal information, banking details, or immediate payments. These calls can look convincing, but the number on your caller ID cannot be trusted. If you receive an unexpected call asking for personal or financial information, hang up immediately and contact the organization directly using a verified number. Do not rely on the number displayed on your phone. Report suspicious calls to the Thunder Bay Police Service. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime

Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation leads to several charges

September 17, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has resulted in several charges. Officers began the investigation in August 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. Through the investigation two suspects were identified. On September 3, 2026, around 7:40 PM officers with the Emergency Task Unit located and arrested a suspect in the Limbrick Street and Vale Avenue area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspect cocaine, fentanyl, and Canadian cash. On September 3, 2026, around 8:10 PM officers with the Intelligence Unit located and arrested a second suspect in the Victoria Avenue and Oakwood Avenue area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspected fentanyl and Canadian cash. A total of over 30 grams of suspected fentanyl and 110 grams of suspected cocaine were seized, alongside a large fixed blade knife and over $4,000 in cash. The total estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $17,280 As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Terry PELTO of Thunder Bay is 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 – opioid • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Fail to comply with probation order As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old William JIMOH from Thunder Bay is 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 – opioid • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.

September 2026

September 17, 2026
Public safety depends on trust, visibility, accountability, and partnership. Through Project Support, the Thunder Bay Police Service worked with residents, businesses, service providers, and community partners to respond to concerns in our downtown and commercial areas. The initiative combined visible patrols, outreach, wellness checks, medical assistance, service referrals, and lawful enforcement. There were more than 9,100 community and business engagements, 343 service referrals, 89 referrals accepted, 78 arrests, and 74 provincial offence notices issued. Behind those numbers are people, conversations, and opportunities to connect individuals with support while addressing behaviour that affects shared spaces. Although the pilot has concluded, visible patrols will continue as we build on what we have learned. This work began by listening to community concerns, and those conversations will continue. Recent engagement, including the “Our Safe Voice, Strong Community” event with Tapestry Women’s Network Thunder Bay, reinforced openness, understanding, and shared responsibility — values that also guide how we honour service and sacrifice. In that spirit, I invite the community to attend this year’s Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 207 S. Brodie Street. This tradition gives us an opportunity to honour police and peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. In the past year, we have seen several officers lose their lives while answering the call to serve. This is our chance to remember their dedication, recognize their sacrifice, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten. Thank you for your continued commitment to Thunder Bay. We will keep listening, working with you, and showing up for the safety and well-being of this community. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police