THUNDER BAY — Safety at local bus stops and on transit was a recurring theme at the most recent community information session hosted by the city's police chief.
Thunder Bay police chief Darcy Fleury met with community members on May 22 at the Waverley Resource Library for his latest Chat with the Chief session, where he answers questions from the public and discusses policing.
“Well, it really is our opportunity to hear the good, the bad, the ugly from our community and what they think about their policing,” Fleury said.
He added that the sessions give law enforcement in Thunder Bay a chance to clarify their upcoming plans and expenditures.
On Thursday, multiple people voiced concerns with safety around the city — especially on the local transit system and at bus stops.
“The biggest one that we've heard, and we hear it quite often, is wanting to see more of the older-style community policing, boots-on-the-ground, doing some foot patrols and having a presence,” said Fleury.
He said this community-oriented approach to policing will help local businesses address issues like theft, while also responding to the concerns of residents who feel unsafe using the city's transit system.
“I think they understand the priority is still there and it's a good conversation to have as far as where we go for our next round of priorities,” he said.
Information from Chat with the Chief is collected and brought to the Thunder Bay Police Service Board for consideration as a part of potential upgrades to their five-year service plan.
Information on the next community-led Chat with the Chief can be found here.
