May 2025

May 5, 2025

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


Thunder Bay Police Service Tip Line Closing March 31

March 24, 2026
TB26003763, TB26003756 & TB26004039 A tip line (807 - 701 – 5417) established to assist with a criminal harassment investigation will close on March 31, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. The tip line was established in response to an investigation into a suspicious vehicle, following multiple reports about the vehicle – a silver older model of Dodge Ram pickup truck. Thank you to all those who have provided information to assist investigators. Officers with the Break and Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit located and arrested a suspect in the case on January 30, 2026. Residents who have experienced similar incidents are asked to contact the tip line. Those providing tips must include their name and phone number when providing information to the dedicated tip line so that investigators can follow up. If you wish to provide information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com .

Thunder Bay Police Service Gala raises over $68,000

March 20, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service announced today that a total of $68,502.50 was raised for two local charities through the Thunder Bay Police Service Inaugural Charity Gala.  On February 28, 2026, more than 270 guests came together for an evening dedicated to honouring the Service’s members and strengthening the bonds that unite the community, while raising money for two incredible local organizations - Special Olympics Thunder Bay and the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay. “I am grateful to everyone who committed early to this vision, to the many businesses and community members who contributed, to everyone who attended, and to those who worked tirelessly to bring this event to life,” said Thunder Bay Police Chief Darcy Fleury. “The men and women of the Thunder Bay Police Service deserve to be celebrated. This community deserves to be celebrated. And these two outstanding charitable organizations deserve support. Together, we are helping ensure they can carry their important work forward,” Fleury added. Albert Aiello, Chief Executive Officer, Boys and Girls Club - BGC Thunder Bay said, “These funds directly empower local youth—helping them build confidence, access opportunities, and succeed in our community. I extend my sincere thanks to the Thunder Bay Police Service for their incredible support through the charity gala.” Cody Jansma, President & CEO of Special Olympics Ontario, noted that the funds raised are critical to support local athletes in Thunder Bay compete in 19 official sports, year-round. “We sincerely thank Chief Fluery and the Thunder Bay Police Service for an impactful charity gala. Our relationship with TBPS goes back 30+ years and we are indebted to their past, present and future support of our athletes. Travel costs to competitions are rising and we couldn’t offer world-class sporting opportunities without fundraisers like this Gala. Thank you for being champions of acceptance and inclusion!” said Jansma. The Gala reflects the strength of our community and the power of partnership. The funds were raised through the generosity of sponsors including RBC, Motorola, Firedog Communications, and Acadia Broadcasting. A significant donation of artwork from the Estate of Norval Morrisseau enhanced fundraising efforts, as did contributions of auction items from several local businesses. As a result, two charities will receive more than $33,500 to help local children and youth reach their full potential. The Thunder Bay Police Service remains committed to working alongside local organizations to create positive, lasting impact.

Charges laid following elder abuse investigation

March 16, 2026
TB25005649 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into elder abuse has resulted in charges. The investigation began on February 11, 2025, after the Crimes Against Seniors’ Division received a report about an incident that took place on January 30, 2025 at a long-term care facility in Thunder Bay. An 86-year-old resident sustained injuries while in the care of a staff member. Additional unrelated and unreported injuries were later confirmed. No documentation of the injuries was located by officers. The victim died on March 06, 2025 as a result of the injuries. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigation identified the long-term care facility failed to take the reasonable steps to prevent any serious bodily harm or death to residents and attempted to delay and obstruct a police investigation. As a result of the investigation, Marina GILBERT, 52, of Thunder Bay, has been charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code. Furthermore, Pioneer Ridge Long Term Care Home has also been charged with: • Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code • Obstructing Justice contrary to section 139(2) of the Criminal Code The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. Anyone with information - particularly from the period of December 19, 2024 to March 6, 2025 - that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Kevin Middleton at (807) 317-0145. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . For further information and resources to protect against elder abuse, please visit: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/protecting-seniors