The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is pleased to share features and information about the people, programs and services that keep our community safe.
September 24, 2024
Thunder Bay Police Service is pleased to share features and information about the people, programs and services that keep our community safe.
Your Questions Answered:
People recently asked about by-law enforcement. What’s the difference?
By-law Enforcement Officers are employed by municipal government and make sure people follow local rules and regulations, like zoning laws, property maintenance, and noise ordinances. They can issue fines for violations like allowing a pet to run at large or operating a business without a permit.
Police Officers are employed by Thunder Bay Police Service and respond to emergencies and issues related to crime and public safety. They enforce laws related to criminal activity, conduct criminal investigations, and respond to situations like robberies, motor vehicle collisions, and assaults.
To report a by-law related compliance issue, including domestic pet control, contact Municipal Enforcement Services at 807-577-6536 or submit a complaint online at https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-services/by-law-complaints.aspx.
You should always call 911 in case of an emergency. If you are safe and there is no emergency, sense of urgency or crime in progress, call 807-684-1200 or file a report online at www.thunderbaypolice.ca.
Community members have asked, what training do TBPS Members receive in relation to equity, diversity and inclusion?
This fall, Thunder Bay Police Service members will participate in education sessions including recognizing biases, Treaty history, the effects of colonialism, the history of 2SLGBTQIA+ and police, and experiencing discrimination. This builds on previous training. Since 2021, Thunder Bay Police Service members participated in a 4-day reconciliation training with a focus on Indigenous cultural learning.
Further, the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA) mandates additional training for all Police Officers and Special Constables.
The Ontario Police College Thematic Training course focuses on human rights and systemic racism; promoting recognition and respect for the diverse, multicultural, and multiracial nature of Ontario society; and, promoting recognition and respect for the rights and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.
In addition to the ongoing training, daily training occurs at shift briefings for the Primary Response Branch.
Bear Aware
Human education can hinder negative encounters with the American black bearIt is common in the fall season for bears to wander into urban areas in search of food. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and TBPS often collaborate for the safest response to a nuisance bear.
When a bear is present and does not pose an immediate threat to safety, the MNRF may provide advice on bear safety or, in some instances, set up a bear trap.
If a bear poses an immediate threat, police will take the required action. The safety of everyone in the area is the priority and is assessed before a decision is made to discharge a firearm in a populated area. It must always be considered that if a bear is injured and does not immediately perish, it may become highly aggressive and unpredictable.
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for tips on how to prevent human-bear encounters and avoid attracting bears.
Non-Emergency Encounters: Call the MNRF Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 if a bear is:
- Moving through a backyard or field but is not lingering
- Roaming around the neighbourhood
- Checking garbage cans
- Breaking into a shed where garbage or food is stored
- Knocking over a barbecue
- Pulling down a bird feeder
- In a tree
Emergency Situations: Call 911 if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety, such as:
- Entering a schoolyard when school is in session
- Stalking people and lingering on-site
- Entering or trying to enter a residence
- Wandering into a public gathering
- Killing livestock/pets and lingering on site.
Answering the Call: Court Services
Maintaining security at the Courthouse means providing safety for persons in custody, staff, and members of the public not only inside of the Courthouse, but also the surrounding area. Court Security is provided to the Thunder Bay Courthouse by Police Officers and Special Constables. Court Services Members are based out of the Thunder Bay Courthouse at 125 Brodie Street, North.
Interested in Answering the Call? We’re seeking qualified candidates who want a rewarding career in law enforcement. Learn more at www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers