Thunder Bay police deploy new device to help collect traffic data, target speeders
Thunder Bay police have begun deploying a new device that can inconspicuously collect traffic data, and help officers crack down on speeding drivers.
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CBC News ·
Posted: May 18, 2021 3:45 PM ET | Last Updated: May 18
Thunder Bay police are using a new device that collects traffic data and can help with targeted traffic enforcement in the city.
Thunder Bay police have begun deploying a new device that can inconspicuously collect traffic data, and help officers crack down on speeding drivers.
During Tuesday s meeting of the Thunder Bay Police Services Board, acting traffic Sgt. Salvatore Carchidi said the service recently obtained a Black Cat device, which can be mounted to hydro poles or street lights and record vehicle speeds.
THUNDER BAY - The number of drivers stopped for drug-impaired driving offences is on the rise in the city, which reflects both increasing enforcement by the Thunder Bay Police Service as well as the ongoing opioid crisis.
“Our impaired numbers in 2020 did rise significantly,” said Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit Acting Sgt. Sal Carchidi. “We prosecuted 299 individuals for impaired driving related offences, 48 per cent of those were drug-driving related offences and I think that speaks to the addictions issues in our city.”
The statistics were part of the Thunder Bay Police Service traffic management plan for 2021-22 that was presented to the Thunder Bay Police Services Board during its monthly meeting on Tuesday.
Police Board 2019
The need for a new headquarters continues to be on the minds of the Thunder Bay Police Services Board.
Ahead of their meeting Tuesday, Chair Kristen Oliver tells Acadia News that the price tag for a facility is closer to $62 million which would include the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) rebate.
Back on April 20 the board approved asking City Council for the build, which was pegged at roughly $55 million.
There was also discussion on April 22 about a fence built around the existing Balmoral Street building, to which board member Michael Power believed would enhance everyone’s safety.
“The fact that the security fencing is not in place to protect the interests of our officers and our civilians, given the work that they do everyday, to interact with some of the most nefarious in our community is alarming,” Power maintained.
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Thunder Bay Police s Balmoral Street headquarters. (Staff Photo)
There could be a fence built around the Balmoral Street police headquarters.
Thunder Bay Police Services Board member Michael Power believes it would enhance everyone’s safety.
“The fact that the security fencing is not in place to protect the interests of our officers and our civilians, given the work that they do everyday, to interact with some of the most nefarious in our community is alarming,” maintains Power.
The board voted for the measure this week.
It was brought forth by Mayor Bill Mauro, who noted city council could decline the idea, given a new headquarters is still possible. “Where clearly if that happens to be the case, then you’re going to be in a situation where you would not want the lack of security present at the current building to be the case at the new building.”