THUNDER BAY — Police Chief Darcy Fleury says the demands on the Thunder Bay Police Service are increasing, and he's concerned about the toll this is taking on his officers.
He made the comment Wednesday as he issued the first of what will be a series of monthly messages to the community.
Fleury's inaugural message included statistics showing a sharp increase in calls for service last month, year-to-year, in a variety of selected categories:
- 4,095 calls - up nine per cent from Feb. 2023
- 212 Intimate partner violence cases - up 23 per cent
- 102 assault cases - up 17 per cent
- 108 attempted/threatened suicides - up 33 per cent
- Warrants executed - up 55 per cent
The chief of police also referenced "ever-increasing calls related to mental health, addictions and living unhoused."
He said that although these aren't necessarily criminal cases, they still require a police presence.
"In addition, we are all impacted by the criminal element that preys on marginalized people in our community. The rise in drug-, gun- and gang-related crimes pulls police resources away from other calls for service."
Fleury said he's constantly concerned about how officers are being impacted by the workload.
"Responding to calls of this nature can cause injury, and as a result there are several officers on leave. There is a human cost as well as financial."
This week, he reported to the Thunder Bay Police Services Board that the 2023 police budget was overspent by $2.8 million, mainly related to staffing and overtime costs.
Fleury said he's proud of his officers for their professionalism and commitment in the face of their various challenges.
He plans to issue a message to the community every month, he said, as part of his commitment to ongoing engagement and transparency.
