A response from the Thunder Bay Police Services Board to concerns of safety.
Thunder Bay Police Association President Colin Woods released some statistics from a third-party member satisfaction survey earlier in the year, with 68 per cent of members taking part.
In the Human Resources department, 60 per cent of members disagree or strongly disagree that their current unit or assignment is adequately staffed and over 66 per cent stated that staffing levels have caused them concern for member or community safety.
When it comes to senior management:
- 79 per cent of members felt that their feedback is valued a little or not at all
- 74 per cent stated management rarely or never encourages openness and transparency
- 64 per cent disagree or strongly disagree that the actions, attitudes, and behaviors of senior management are consistent with an organization that prioritizes mental health and wellness
Police Services Board Chair Kristen Oliver released the following statement Tuesday in response:
As you know, when you and the Association met with the Board in May of this year, we took your concerns very seriously. In fact, this meeting was the catalyst in ensuring the Association’s voice was prominent and included in our new Strategic Plan, Many Voices, One Vision 2030
As a Board, we want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to make our community safe and supporting our workforce. We will make certain that our police officers have everything they need to do their jobs effectively.
Our vision is to be a progressive, trusted and ethical leader, and that Thunder Bay is among the safest and best-protected cities in Canada. Collaboration and empowering our workforce are extremely important to us.
One of our strategic goals is to have a healthy and supported workforce and to invest in people by providing a safe and positive work environment, and enable our workforce to better serve their community.
The Thunder Bay Police Association represents over 350 officers and civilian police service employees in Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge.
