February 2025

February 1, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service continues to have above national average clearance rates. This accomplishment is even more impressive in the context of crime severity in our community. The Crime Severity Index combines both how often crimes happen and how severe they are. Our community is among the highest for provincial and national crime severity. Clearance rates refer to the percentage of reported crimes that are successfully solved, usually through an arrest or charges. Clearance rates indicate how effectively our dedicated members are addressing serious crimes.


Statistics Canada will publish the 2024 statistics in July of 2025. It is anticipated that TBPS Clearance Rates will remain the highest. 


Taking action on recommendations


Over a year ago, the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA), formerly the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD), acknowledged that TBPS had addressed all recommendations in the “Broken Trust” report. As recommended, the TBPS continues to have open communication and case conferences to ensure Forensic Identification Unit Officers have the information they need to conduct informed and thorough investigations. Furthermore, the TBPS has reviewed and implemented an updated Sudden Death Procedure which was informed by multiple subject matter experts and the Coroner’s Office. The LECA Complaint’s Director commended TBPS’s extensive efforts and dedication in this initiative. 


Did you know?


The TBPS fleet includes 108 vehicles. In 2023, they travelled 1,574,730 kilometres.


Answering the call – Training Unit


The TBPS Training Unit is responsible for educating and preparing police officers by teaching essential skills, procedures, and tactics needed for their duties effectively and safely. It covers a wide range of topics, including law enforcement procedures, physical fitness, legal training, conflict resolution, weapons handling, and handling high-pressure situations. In 2024 TBPS officers and Special Constables were assigned to complete new training as legislated by the Canadian Safety and Policing Act (CSPA). The training, called “Navigating the Complexities of Hate – A Primer for Law Enforcement”, educates our members to respond to these incidents and offences in a way that recognizes and validates the varying nuances of trauma for individuals and communities who have experienced hate.


Upon completion of Basic Constable Training at the Ontario Police College Police officers continue to receive annual training that is mandated by the CSPA as well as additional training in various areas. The training is delivered by certified instructors from the Training Unit and other Certified Instructors.


Interested in a career in policing? TBPS offers a wide range of opportunities. To learn more, visit thunderbaypolice.ca/careers.


Submit your question anytime to news@thunderbaypolice.ca.


Thunder Bay Police Service brings professional development training closer to home

June 12, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) hosted the Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) at the TBPS Station from June 8 to 12, 2026, bringing the training program closer to home. SLI is an FBI-LEEDA program — they’re the gold standard for law enforcement leadership training in North America. FBI-LEEDA — the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association — is a private, non-profit organization that grew out of the FBI’s executive training programs. The program operates independently and is not part of the FBI. The course runs for five days and is open to front-line supervisors and any police leaders, sworn or civilian. The Ontario Provincial Police, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, and the University of North Dakota Police Service participated in the course alongside TBPS. There was a total of 24 participants, 16 of which were members of TBPS. The instructor is Chief David Boggs, a retired Chief of Police out of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, FBI National Academy grad, and an FBI Executive Teaching Fellow. The course covers leadership principles, building credibility, discipline and supervisor liability, and participants do a personal DISC leadership style assessment. The DISC leadership assessment is a behavioral profiling tool that categorizes individuals into four primary personality styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. “Supervisors who complete the SLI return with practical, immediately applicable leadership skills — better equipped to manage their teams, handle discipline consistently and defensibly, and build credibility with the people they lead,” explained TBPS Inspector of Operational Support Jason Rybak. “It strengthens the overall quality of supervision across the organization and contributes to a more professional, accountable police service.” Today it is recognized as the leading provider of law enforcement leadership education in North America, having trained tens of thousands of officers and leaders across hundreds of courses annually. “Strong supervision produces better policing,” added Rybak. “When front-line supervisors lead with credibility, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions, it translates directly into how officers interact with the public. Communities benefit from a police service where leadership at every level is intentional, accountable, and committed to continuous improvement.” Their core program is the Leadership Trilogy — three progressive courses targeting every level of police leadership: • The Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) • Command Leadership Institute (CLI) • Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) Graduates who have completed all three programs also earn transferable college credit upon completion.

Cyber crime investigation leads to charges

June 10, 2026
TB26015221 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. On April 23, 2026, officers received a report from another police agency regarding potential child sexual abuse and exploitation in Thunder Bay. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified. On April 29, 2026, officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s south side and seized multiple electronic devices. On June 10, 2026, a suspect surrendered themself at the Thunder Bay Police Service Station at 1200 Balmoral Street. As a result of the investigation, 50-year-old Michael SCORGIE of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Luring a person under 16-years of age by means of telecommunications (two counts) • Arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 16-years of age (two counts) • Arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 18-years of age • Make prints, publishes or possesses for the purpose of publication of any child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.

Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges

June 9, 2026
TB26021214 Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On June 5, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located a driver asleep behind their steering wheel with the vehicle running in the Picton Avenue and Blucher Crescent area. Further investigation led to a search of the vehicle. During the search officers located and seized over 115 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 587 grams of suspected crack cocaine, cash, and items associated with drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $150,000. As a result of the investigation, 49-year-old Jermaine WILSON, of Brampton, Ontario 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 property obtained by crime over $5,000  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.