THUNDER BAY - The number of mental health calls received by the Thunder Bay Police Service continues to grow and with the public seeking more information on the subject, the chief of police will be holding a public town hall meeting next month to answer questions.
In chief Darcy Fleury’s monthly message to the community, he said from January 1 to August 31 this year, Thunder Bay Police Service has responded to 1,484 calls related to mental health. This averages out to approximately 185 calls per month.
“Highly-trained officers and crisis response workers de-escalate situations, determine people's needs and connect them with supports and resources they need,” Fleury said in his monthly message. “TBPS collaborates with many organizations for the best outcomes. St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG) is one of them.”
A recent satisfaction survey of the Police Service found mental health and addictions was the most requested topic for a Chat with the Chief.
Fleury will be holding a chat event on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the Living Wall area.
During the chat, Fleury will discuss and answer questions about mental health and addiction calls, as well as safety in the downtown core.
Mental health and addictions have been addressed in previous town hall meetings hosted by the police service.
“Deputy Chief Hughes spoke at a recent Town Hall regarding SJCG’s Withdrawal Management Services site swap to enhance the program,” Fleury said.
“Research tells us withdrawal programs work, supporting people to battle addictions and avoid interactions with the law. This helps to address the root causes of drug-related crimes and calls for service, keeping our entire community safer and our dedicated Officers able to respond to more appropriate calls.”
A second Chat with the Chief event will be held on Wednesday Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Brodie Resource Library and focus on police response to violent crimes, guns and gang activity, and safety in the downtown cores.
Chief Fleury implemented the Chat with the Chief events and town hall meetings as a way of increasing transparency and communication with the public.
