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.

Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

August 11, 2026
TB26030742 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has resulted in charges. As part of the investigation, Intelligence Unit officers searched a home in the Pearl Street area on August 4, 2026. During the search, two individuals were located and arrested. Quantities of suspected cocaine, cash, and items associated with drug trafficking were also seized. As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Crystal IDZI from Thunder Bay and 46-year-old Micheal MOCK of Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service response to weapons call leads to charges

August 10, 2026
TB26031031 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Syndicate Avenue South and Donald Street East area around 10:00 AM on August 6, 2026, in response to multiple reports regarding a stabbing. On scene three victims were located. One individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries, which are considered not to be life-threatening. The Break, Enter, and Robbery Unit became involved in the investigation. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 45-year-old Lazarus YELLOWHEAD of Webequie First Nation is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Assault with a weapon • Assault • Resist peace officer • Failure to comply with a release order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Primary Response Unit assault investigation leads to charges

August 9, 2026
TB26030239 A Thunder Bay Police Service assault investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Donald Street East area on July 31, 2026, in response to a report regarding an assault. The suspect had left the scene prior to officers arriving. One victim was located with minor injuries, and they were transported to a local hospital for treatment. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Clinton OSTAMUS of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault • Obstruct peace officer The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.