History

The Thunder Bay Police Force came into being when the former cities of Port Arthur and Fort William amalgamated on January 1, 1970, to form the city of Thunder Bay. Six months later the former municipalities of McIntyre and Neebing were absorbed to form the city we have today.

The newly formed Thunder Bay Police Force had an authorized strength of 143 officers. The first chief of police wasOnni Harty, who had been the chief of police for the former city of Port Arthur. The chief of police for the former city of Fort William became one of three Deputy Chiefs.

The former Fort William police station, located on East Donald Street, became the headquarters for the newly formed Thunder Bay Police Force. The former Port Arthur police station continued to be used as a precinct office.

On January 15, 1978, Constable John Stephen Kusznier became the first police officer in the history of the Thunder Bay Police Force to lose his life while in the execution of his duty.

On January 19, 1987 the first phase of the Balmoral Police Headquarters was completed. The operational staff from both the north area precinct and the Donald Street moved into their new offices. In 1993 the second phase was completed and for the first time since its conception the Thunder Bay Police Force were together under one roof.

In August of 1990, the Thunder Bay Police joined the Ontario Municipal and Provincial Police Automation Co-operative. The co-operative known as OMPPAC, allowed the Thunder Bay Police to computerize their police dispatch and central records operations. The 911 emergency telephone system was implemented in the summer of 1986.

Presently, the Thunder Bay Police is moving towards intensive computerization, whereby, the majority of Police information, both in-house and at some distant locale, will be readily accessible to all members.

Increased attention is being given to the cultural diversity of our city and the extent to which the Service composition is actually reflective of the Community. Community policing offices have been and continue to be set-up in various areas of the city. These offices are operated by one member of the police community and numerous members of the community. Together they are working to solve local problems and reduce crime.