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.

Police urge residents to be mindful of scams

June 6, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to educate the public about ways to protect themselves from financial scams. While not unique to Thunder Bay, members of our community continue to be targeted and fall victim to deceit by fraudsters. Community members contacted by a suspected scammer are urged to remember that the best way to avoid being victimized is to hang up the phone or not respond to messages. If someone is contacting you and demanding payment or requesting personal information, it is most likely a scam. As well, reputable financial agencies and institutions will never demand gift cards or cryptocurrency as a form of payment. In situations where there is an incentive or reward being offered, if something seems too good to be true then it probably is. Do not provide personal information, such as a credit card number or access to financial accounts. Fraudsters may attempt to manipulate their victims by claiming there is a sense of urgency to act. This is a common tactic to prevent victims from practicing due diligence and should be viewed as evidence that a scam is taking place. Economic crime investigations are very often complex and can take an extensive amount of time. Recovering or reimbursing lost funds is extremely rare. Police urge family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by scams. 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

Impaired driver arrested after vehicle flips on play field

June 4, 2025
Police arrested an 18-year-old after responding to a complaint of a vehicle being driven dangerously in the Current River area. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to Lyon Boulevard East shortly after 10 p.m. on Monday, June 2, after receiving a report of a vehicle being driven onto a walking path and then on a field. Responding officers found a pickup truck flipped on its side on a field at the Current River Community Centre. Officers spoke to the driver of the vehicle and observed multiple signs of impairment. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. An 18-year-old male is charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus), Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Mischief under $5,000. The accused was released on un undertaking with a future court appearance date.

Youth arrested for knifepoint robbery

June 4, 2025
A 17-year-old faces several charges after two teenagers were robbed at knifepoint over the weekend. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Arthur Street West shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, after receiving a report of a robbery involving a weapon. A male suspect approached two youths, brandishing a knife, and stole a bicycle. Responding officers located a male matching the description of the suspect. The individual did not comply with officer demands and fled. The male was again located nearby, where he was found attempting to break into an Ottawa Street residence. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. A 17-year-old male has been charged with Robbery, Mischief under $5,000, Trespassing at Night, Resisting a Peace Officer, and Breach of Probation. The identity of the accused cannot be disclosed in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The accused appeared in court and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
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