Chief Ron Nagle served three years with the Royal Canadian Navy and then worked for a year as a welder before joining the Ontario Provincial Police in 1966.

For nine years, he worked at various detachments across Northern Ontario, including a two-year assignment where he paid regular visits to remote First Nations reserves such as Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, and Lansdowne House.

Chief Nagle joined the North Bay Force in 1974 as a constable. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1981 and Inspector in 1985. In 1987, he became Deputy Chief of Police and in 1996 he was promoted to Chief of Police. Chief Nagle held the position of Chief for four years. He retired in 2000 after a 26-year career with the Force. He was succeeded in the position by Chief George Berrigan.

Chief Nagle's word was his bond, and he was committed to his job, his community, and the men and women who worked under him.

Roy Katzmarzyk was from the Edmonton, Alberta area. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Military Police Officer in 1961 and after training, served on several military establishments in Canada. He took his discharge in 1965 in North Bay and joined the North Bay Police Force in June of that year.

In 1978 he was promoted to Sergeant and during his career worked in most phases of the policing field, spending time in patrol, Criminal Investigation, and Criminal Intelligence.

Chief Katzmarzyk participated in, or was the lead investigator, of many of the main criminal cases handled by the Force until his promotion to Deputy Chief of Police on December 1, 1984. In this position he assumed charge of the Patrol Section of the Force.

He assumed the Acting Chief of Police position on January 2, 1987and upon the retirement of Chief Wotherspoon on March 31, 1987 he took command of the North Bay Police Force as its Chief. He retired from the position in 1996.

Bill Wotherspoon was born in Dunfermline, Culross County, Fifeshire, Scotland. He emigrated with his family to the North Bay area and they took up residence in North Bay proper in 1938.

He was appointed to the North Police Force as a constable in March 1947.

Chief Wotherspoon was promoted to Sergeant in 1952; Staff Sergeant in 1957; Inspector in 1962; Deputy Chief in 1966; and Chief of Police in June of 1967. In March 1987 Bill completed 40 years of service with the North Bay Police Force, 20 of those as Chief of Police.

During the years 1947 to 1987, the North Bay Force grew from a complement of 15 officers to a total authorized strength of 112. Eighty-seven of these were sworn personnel. On January 1, 1968, the Townships of Widdifield and West Ferris were annexed, along with their police forces, which resulted in a total policing area of 130 square are miles and a population of 52,000.

Chief Thurlow joined the North Bay Police Force on June 1, 1940.

Educated in North Bay, he received a diploma in criminology and all phases of police work from the RCMP College in Regina, Saskatchewan and a course in administration in 1964 at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer.

He became Deputy Chief January 1, 1953 and was promoted to Chief of Police in 1965. Chief Thurlow passed away in 1967 after serving as Chief for two years.

Hired as a Constable in 1929, the Powassan native became a Detective in 1943, Detective Sergeant in 1944, Inspector in 1945 and Deputy Chief of the then sixteen member police force in 1947.

Chief Pilgram was promoted to Chief of Police in July of 1948. He stepped confidently into the position with nearly twenty years of service with the Department. He was the first police officer to work his way up through the ranks to the position of Chief.

Chief Pilgram retired in 1965 after thirty six years in policing.

Chief Constable Elvin A. (Tex) Forsyth was born in 1909 in North Augusta, Ont. and raised in Prescott Ont.

He joined the Brockville Police Force in 1930 and was promoted to Detective Sergeant in 1938.

Chief Forsyth was a graduate of the Provincial & Municipal Police Training School at Toronto in 1938.

He became Chief of Police of the Prescott Police Force in 1940 and in 1942 he was appointed Chief of Police of the North Bay Force at the age of 33.

At that time the population of North Bay was 17,600. During this time he introduced two-way radios in patrol cars 1944.

He was an ardent outdoorsman. He enjoyed competitive rowing, singles, pairs, and eights while in Brockville and Prescott. He turned to archery and fishing when he moved to North Bay.

Chief Forsyth retired from the North Bay Force in 1948 and moved to Sarnia, Ont. where he became a customs officer. While in Sarnia he also began his own successful photography business.

Chief Clark was hired as Police Chief on October 15, 1923. He was a trained and experienced officer bringing eighteen years of experience with the Aberdeen, Scotland and Berlin (Kitchener) police forces to the position. He was charged with rebuilding the police force.

He served the citizens of North Bay faithfully until his death of a heart attack in his office in November, 1942.

In 1908 Night Constable Rayner was promoted to Chief Constable. He was one of three officers on the Force. The size of the Force was increased by three at the beginning of 1914.

In December 1914 a Police Commission was appointed by Council and two years later the Force was down to two officers including Chief Rayner even though the population and size of North Bay continued to grow.

In 1921, four years after the reduction in staff, and following an internal investigation, Chief Rayner was demoted to Deputy Chief.

Former Chief of Iroquois Falls, Chief Morbey was hired to become the new Chief. In 1923 Chief Morbey quit the Force along with Deputy Chief Rayner and both went on to new jobs.

Over the course of 30 years, the Town of North Bay fired one Chief, and received resignations from five others who were to manage police business. Many constables also came and went from 1890 to 1923, very few staying very long.

An interesting era ended when Chief Rayner was demoted and eventually left the Force.

On the 1st of December 1973, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a Constable with the North Bay Police Service responded to a reported incident of a man with a gun in a downtown parking lot. In less than four minutes, Constable Leonard George Slater, a fellow officer and a shooting suspect all lay wounded. Moments later members learned that Constable Slater had succumbed to his wound and paid the supreme sacrifice.

On that night, a local resident, Camille Joseph Ethier, 24 years of age, had been drinking at a North Bay tavern. He became upset, when he observed his friend's girlfriend with another man. Ethier left the tavern and walked across Oak Street to a municipal parking lot. He opened the trunk of his car, removed and started to load a single shot 12 gauge shotgun. A companion attempted to convince him to put the gun away. Ethier paid no heed to his companion.

Constable Gord McCourt was on duty that evening. He had parked a police van on Oak Street, adjacent to the parking lot. A citizen approached Constable McCourt and stated that he had seen a man with a shotgun in the parking lot.

Constable McCourt drove into the parking lot and observed Ethier standing with the shotgun laid across the doorhandles of a parked car. The second man fled at the sight of the officer. Constable McCourt notified the police dispatcher that he was going to check out a gunman and gave his location. Constable Len Slater, who was booking a prisoner at police headquarters only 2 ½ blocks away, was advised of the incident by the Duty Sergeant. Constable Slater immediately left the police station to assist Constable McCourt.

Meanwhile, Constable McCourt began to approach the gunman on foot. Ethier responded by pointing the shotgun at the officer. Constable McCourt took cover behind a parked vehicle and drew his service revolver. He ordered Ethier to drop the shotgun. Ethier replied by moving around the car and ordering McCourt to drop his gun. McCourt circled the car, keeping out of Ethier's view and attempted to reach his patrol van. As he reached into his van to obtain the radio microphone, Ethier fired. Constable McCourt was struck in the left shoulder by a single shotgun blast. Notwithstanding Constable McCourt's wound, he fired four shots, from his service revolver, as Ethier fled. Constable McCourt finally reached the radio microphone and advised the police dispatcher that he had been shot. Constable Norm Shillington, also on patrol, heard the radio transmission and immediately responded. Several other officers also responded from Police Headquarters. Constable Slater was the first officer to arrive at the scene. He stopped his vehicle on Oak street, adjacent to the parking lot. Constable Slater called Constable McCourt on the police car radio asking for his location. Constable McCourt turned on the flashing roof lights of the police van.

Constable Slater, gun drawn, exited his police car, and walked towards Constable McCourt's vehicle. Ethier who observed Slater approaching, hid behind a vehicle in the parking lot. As Constable Slater walked by the vehicle, Ethier fired a shot. The shotgun blast struck Constable Slater in the back of the head. Ethier then walked towards Constable McCourt's location. At this time, the second back up police unit driven by Constable Shillington, entered the parking lot.

As Constable Shillington attempted to bring his police vehicle to a stop, Ethier aimed his shotgun at the officer and fired. Shotgun pellets struck the car window. Shillington jumped out of the right passenger door and took cover behind the right fender. He fired a shot from his service revolver at Ethier, striking him in the throat. Ethier fell to the ground but got up and ran, hiding behind a parked vehicle. Ethier exchanged shots with Constable Shillington. Constable Shillington approached the parked vehicle and located Ethier on the ground, face down. Within seconds, other back up officers were on the scene.

Officers immediately relayed Constable McCourt to hospital in a police vehicle. Constable Slater and Ethier were transported by ambulance. Shortly afterwards, the officers were notified that Constable Slater had succumbed to his injury. Constable McCourt and Ethier would survive their wounds. Constable McCourt would be partially disabled due to his shoulder injury.

On April 20, 1974, Camille Joseph Ethier was convicted of Non-Capital Murder in the slaying of Constable Leonard Slater. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. Charges of Attempted Murder, in relation to Constable Shillington were adjourned sine die (not proceeded with).

Constable Gord McCourt returned to his duties with the North Bay Police Service. He retired several years later and died in 1991 after a lengthy bout with cancer. His son, Wally McCourt, is a Detective Sergeant with the Metropolitan Toronto Police.

Constable Norm Shillington, is now Sergeant Shillington. He is still active with the North Bay Police Service. Many other involved officers have since retired. .Constable Leonard Slater, was born in 1941 and raised in Bracebridge Ontario. He had a great love of the North. He moved to Toronto in 1960, and later joined the Ontario Provincial Police. He was posted to # 5 District Traffic from May 1964 until September 1968. Eager to return to the North, he joined the North Bay Police Service in October of that year. At the time of his death, Len was married and the father of a 12 year old son, and two daughters aged 8 and 10. In his five years service with the Service, Len obtained a reputation for being firm but fair and was well thought of by his fellow officers, and the members of the community.

A full police funeral, attended by officers from across Canada, and communal service were held as a tribute to Constable Slater.

North Bay Police Service Constable Fred Lefebvre made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty on May 18th, 1923. He was trying to apprehend one of Northern Ontario's most dangerous criminals ever, Leo Rogers, who shot him dead. The fugitive went on to kill another officer, Sgt. John URQUHART of the Cobalt OPP, during a two-week reign of terror like nothing else North Bay has ever seen. At the time, Lefebvre, was never suitably recognized. Today, we are righting that by holding this memorial service in his honour.

Fred Lefebvre was one of a family of 12 children born in 1877 in the little village of Alice near Pembroke. He grew up in that area and started his work career in the lumber business. At age 19, he moved to North Bay and took on his first policing duties. The following year, he married Matilda St. Michael, his teenage sweetheart from Pembroke. They lived in several different locations over the years, including Sault Ste. Marie, Cache Bay, Haileybury and Sturgeon Falls, before he returned to North Bay to become a Provincial Police Officer and then later joining the North Bay Police Service, living here with his wife and four children. At the time of his slaying, he headed the small force's Criminal Investigations Unit.

Just prior to his 15th birthday, Leo Rogers was found guilty of a series of break and enters. The Judge sentenced him to seven years at one of the most feared facilities in the country, Kingston Penitentiary. There, he attacked guards on several occasions.

"I believe you are dealing with a criminal too dangerous to be at large," one time Police Chief William Raynor, wrote in a letter to the Parole Board. Even as a teenager, "He was the worst man I ever had to deal with." He returned to North Bay after seven years and was soon in custody for robbery. Rogers escaped from the North Bay Courthouse May 17th, 1923. Police suggested a loaded gun had somehow been slipped to him amid the lax security of a crowded 1920's courtroom. That night, the fugitive himself phoned police and invited them down into an ambush near the waterfront in West Ferris. In the ensuing gun battle, one officer was shot in the thigh. By midnight, a posse of 20 men was formed to spend the night guarding the area and looking out for the fugitive.

Surprisingly, Rogers stood his ground, remaining motionless throughout the bug-infested night. As the next day dawned, he began firing again from his position behind a clump of trees. The posse rushed him, but he was able to run to the safety of a nearby barn. Within minutes, it was riddled with bullets, but Rogers escaped. Then he ran another 500 yards to the point where Mosquito Creek (now Parks Creek) meets Lake Nipissing. Members of the posse let him have it with all the firepower they had - 200 rounds of ammunition. Still, he managed to zigzag through the hail of bullets and was not hit.

As the morning sun began to rise in the east at 5:30 a.m., Rogers cut down to the lakefront where he faced a standoff with Lefebvre - the 45 year old plainclothes detective who had arrested him during a fierce struggle years before.

The two men were roughly 100 metres apart. Rogers, brandishing a Winchester Savage rifle, had the cover of a tree, while the officer, with just his revolver, was out in the open. Lefebvre was felled by a bullet in his abdomen as they fired simultaneously. Rogers ran off into the bush and police lost his trail. "I'm done for. Rogers got me at last," Lefebvre said as he lay dying. "My poor children; kiss my children for me." Fred Lefebvre had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Rogers remained at large. At midnight May 30th, Sgt. John URQUHART, of the Ontario Provincial Police, saw an unknown figure enter Rogers' parents' home on Worthington Street. With the home surrounded, he knocked at the door. Rogers fired at the door, hitting the officer square in the chest, killing him instantly. Though the house was surrounded, somehow Rogers escaped again.

After being on the loose for two weeks after Lefebvre's shooting, Rogers made his last stand at what is now the site of the Waltonian Inn on the south side of Lake Nipissing. A posse surrounded him. When he noticed them and got up to reach for his weapon, he was shot down in a volley of bullets.

Today we honour Fred Lefebvre and remember all our brothers and sisters who have given their life in the protection of our communities and their citizens. A new gravestone will be placed at his burial site and we will place a plaque and photograph on the wall of honour at Police Headquarters along side our fallen brother Len Slater, so that all will see, remember, and honour the sacrifice made by them.

This page is dedicated to those who gave their life in the line of duty while serving with the North Bay Police. We must always remember our police officers, both past and present. We must never take for granted their contribution or overlook the risks they face.

The Beat Light: North Bay Police History 1882-2007 authored by Wayne Lebelle with retired Staff Sergeant Vic McClenaghan was published in conjunction with the North Bay Police Service's 125th anniversary, through financial support from Ted and Sharron Thomson.

The Beat Light is a must read for anyone associated to or interested in the history of policing in North Bay, Widdifield, West Ferris and Callander, policing in general or anybody curious about the history of North Bay.

The book is available in hard cover at a cost of $39.38 or soft cover at a cost of $31.50 (includes HST).

To order a copy, call 705-497-5582.

What is now the City of North Bay was incorporated as a village in November 1882. On the meagre information available, it appears that one Wesley Coleman was the first policeman in North Bay. He apparently held that position from 1882 until 1890. He was not only a policeman, but also a tax collector, dog catcher, village foreman, and bailiff.

On 1890 01 01, North Bay was incorporated as a town and in 1925, as a City.

At the first meeting of council,held on 1890 01 19, Constable Daniel McIntyre succeeded Wesley Coleman as policeman, filling that position from 1890 until 1895 when he was replaced by Isaac Kinsella, who appears to have been the first Chief Constable of North Bay. Chief Kinsella held the position from 1895 until 1906. At this time, a second man, one Larry Brennan, was appointed night Constable. On the resignation of Chief Kinsella in 1906, the position was filled by by Chief Constable Mitchell, who held the position from 1906 to 1908.

On the resignation of Chief Constable Mitchell, he was replaced by Chief Constable William Rayner from 1908 to 1922. On the retirement of Chief Rayner there appears to be a blank for several years, although there is a record of one Chief Morby. How long he remained Chief is not clear at the present time.

In 1925, when North Bay was incorporated as a City, the first Commission was appointed and it consisted of His Honour Judge Joseph Alphonse Valin, His Worship Magistrate Sylvanis Weegar, and His Worship Mayor John McDonald.

On 1925 10 23, William Clark was appointed Chief Constable and held that position until September 1943 when he died suddenly of a heart attack, In October 1943, Alvin Forsyth who had formerly been Chief Constable in Prescott, Ontario, was appointed to the position. When he resigned in June 1948, due to ill health, Deputy Chief of Police, John William Pilgrim was appointed Chief of Police. Chief Pilgrim had begun his career with the North Bay Police in August 1929, and had been promoted through the ranks. Chief Pilgrim went on sick leave in August 1965 and officially retired on 1966 06 30. On 1970 03 18, Chief Pilgrim died in Tempe, Arizona.

Ivan Ashton Thurlow, who was then Deputy Chief of Police, assumed command of the service on 1965 08 01 and remained in this position until his death on 1967 06 27. Chief Thurlow had been appointed to the North Bay Police as a constable on 1940 06 01 and had also been promoted up through the ranks.

Deputy Chief of Police William Wotherspoon, upon the death of Chief Thurlow, was appointed Chief of Police on 1967 06 24. Chief Wotherspoon had been appointed to the North Bay Police as a constable on 1947 03 28 and had been promoted through the ranks to Deputy Chief of Police before being promoted to Chief of Police. On 1968 01 01 when the Townships of Widdifield and West Ferris were annexed to the City of North Bay, Chief William Wotherspoon was appointed Chief of Police of the new amalgamated force.

Immediately prior to the annexation, the Townships had their own police forces and the personnel were absorbed the personnel were absorbed into North Bay Police Force. The Chief of Police of the former Township of West Ferris was G.W. Regan and the Chief of Police of the Township of Widdifield was W.H. Mossip.

The Township of West Ferris Police Force had started as a one-man force in 1952 and the Township of Widdifield had started in 1958 as a four-man force.

Previous to annexation, the police force had approximately four square miles and 99 miles of streets to patrol. After the annexation, this area was increased to 128.9 square miles and 236.8 miles of street. The population of 23,000 before annexation increased to 48,964. On 1975 09 15, the North Bay Police Force moved into a new multi-million dollar building which contained the most up-to-date equipment in the country.

Over the years numerous shoulder flashes came and went.  This picture outlines the flashes and the years they were in service.

Under the leadership of the Detective Staff Sergeant, the criminal investigations division consists of a team of detective sergeants, detective constables, and a constable who are highly-trained to investigate and prosecute serious criminal offences that occur in North Bay and Callander. 

The team is responsible for gathering and analyzing criminal intelligence, for asset forfeitures, for investigating unsolved missing person cases, for providing services to victims of crime, and for investigating major crimes, such as:

• street crime (includes property crime and offences that fall under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act);
• homicides and attempted murder;
• arson;
• abductions;
• sudden deaths;
• fraud;
• domestic violence; and
• sexual offenses.

Two accredited forensic identification officers provide expert assistance to the investigators as part of the criminal investigations team. These two civilian members of the North Bay Police Service (NBPS) conduct crime scene analysis by collecting, preserving, and processing physical evidence. They also coordinate any evidence that is sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences for expert examination, such as blood samples for DNA analysis. The collection and comparison of latent fingerprints is a valuable tool in crime investigation and both NBPS forensic identification officers are certified expert fingerprint examiners.

The division also receives invaluable administrative support from the criminal investigations clerk.

On Monday August 8th, 2016 at 2 a.m., Constable Sarah Kavanagh and Constable Jennifer Dix were on patrol when they spotted a skunk with a cup on its head. The activity was captured on video by Cst. Dix.

See YouTube video below to see the results:

Individuals wishing to request information under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act must do so by submitting a written request.

All requests must include:

• requestor's name 
• full address
• date of birth 
• telephone number 
• identify the specific records requested or provide sufficient details to enable an employee to identify the record(s) 
• $5.00 application fee*

Send or deliver requests to:

North Bay Police Service
135 Princess Street West
P.O. Box 717
North Bay, ON P1B 8J8

*Application Fee

Please note a $5.00 application fee (cash, cheque or money order) must accompany all requests. The processing of this request will not begin until this fee has been received. In addition to the application fee, there is a legislated fee schedule for the processing of access requests, which includes photocopying, searching, and preparing records.

Information collection, use and release policies employed by the North Bay Police Service provide open disclosure while protecting individuals against the unjustified invasion of their personal privacy. Designated individuals within the organization employ formal procedures to ensure disclosure made in the normal course of business complies with Police Services Board policy and the Act.

NOTE: Information that is available through the Request a Report procedure is not subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Records management and contacts:

Information collection, use, and release policies employed by the Police Service provide open disclosure while protecting individuals against the unjustified invasion of their personal privacy. Designated personnel within the organization employ formal procedures to ensure disclosure made in the normal course of business complies with Police Services Board policy and the Act. Formal requests under the Act are directed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator for appropriate disposition. Service records are securely stored and access is restricted to provide the level of confidentiality required.

Questions regarding regular business disclosure of records may be directed to the Office Manager by telephone at 705-497-5555. Formal requests and any inquiries regarding the provisions of the legislation as it relates to North Bay Police Service records should be directed to the North Bay Police Service's Freedom of Information Coordinator by telephone at 705-497-5555.

The Victim Services Unit helps victims of crime and tragic circumstances.

It consists of a police officer who provides follow-up assistance to victims by getting them the help they need. This officer works as a liaison between the North Bay Police Service and community agencies and acts as both the Domestic Violence Coordinator and the Seniors Liaison Officer.

As the Domestic Violence Coordinator, the officer is a specially-trained investigator who is responsible for monitoring our Service's domestic violence investigations.

As the Seniors Liaison Officer, the officer is responsible for providing support to our patrol officers when they investigate occurrences of elder and vulnerable adult abuse. The officer, where appropriate, will work with families and/or other caregivers to help resolve situations where elder and vulnerable adults are at risk of abuse.

For more information about the North Bay Police Victim Services Unit, please contact: 705-497-5555 ext. 227.

What is an intimate relationship?

Intimate relationships include those between the opposite-sex and same-sex partners. These relationships vary in duration and legal formality, and include current and former dating, common-law and married couples.  Intimate relationship sexual component may or may not include a sexual component in the relationship.  Many dating relationships may be predicated on little or no sexual activity.

Note: There are other individuals within the household that may suffer domestic / family abuse. This information, however, focuses on abuse within intimate relationships.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence includes the use or threat of physical or sexual force, including emotional, or psychological abuse, or harassing/threatening behaviour directed between partners with whom there is (or has been) an intimate relationship.

Criminal Code offences include but are not limited to:

• Homicide Assault 
• Sexual assault
• Threatening death or bodily harm 
• Forcible confinement 
• Harassment/stalking 
• Abduction 
• Mischief
• Break and enter 
• Other property-related offences

With domestic violence, the offence can range in severity from a slap to a homicide.

These crimes are often part of a pattern of assaultive and/or controlling behaviour, such as economic control and social isolation. Threats can often include harming other family members, pets and property. The violence is used to intimidate, humiliate or frighten the victims and make them feel powerless.

Do charges always have to be laid?

It is the policy of the North Bay Police Service to place a high priority on responding to incidents of domestic violence and to conduct vigorous and complete investigations.

Guided by a mandatory charge policy, the North Bay Police Service will support victims through a coordinated community response designed to improve their quality of life. The Service will work in committee partnership with community agencies, service providers and other government agencies to achieve this goal.

The mandatory charge policy requires officers to lay charges in all incidents of domestic violence where reasonable grounds exist to do so.

What are reasonable grounds?

Reasonable grounds are a set of circumstances which would satisfy an ordinary, cautious and prudent person that there is reason to believe an offence has been committed. The belief must go beyond mere suspicion.

Reasonable grounds can be established by obtaining witness statements, the existence of physical injuries and/or other physical evidence such as damaged or broken furniture or other signs of a disturbance.

What happens if the police are called?

Police may be involved in the following manner:

• As a result of a 9-1-1 call 
• You report it to the police by telephone or in person 
• A witness to an event may also contact the police

Initial response:

• Responding officers will conduct a thorough investigation and a report will be submitted 
• If the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has occurred, the suspect will be arrested and a charge or charges may be laid 
• If the suspect is not present, attempts will be made to locate and arrest the accused 
• If the accused can not be found, an arrest warrant will be obtained. The victim will be advised once the suspect has been arrested.

It is the police who lay charges not the victims of the domestic violence.

What happens when the police lay a charge(s)?

Following an arrest, the accused may be released on a form called an Undertaking or Recognizance. This means that the police place the accused on conditions that you would be notified of and that the accused must obey while awaiting trial.

These conditions often include no contact with the victim and not to attend the residence of the victim even if the residence is the matrimonial home or shared residence.

The police may decide to hold the accused for a bail hearing.

The victim does not have to attend the bail hearing. In certain circumstances, however, the officer may request that you attend the court for a bail hearing. The court may decide to hold the accused in custody until the trial or may release the accused on conditions similar to those of an Undertaking.

The victim will be notified of the release of the accused and of the conditions that are in place.

When a charge has been laid, the case will be prosecuted by a lawyer from the Crown Attorney's office at no cost to the victim.

Once a charge has been laid, neither the police nor a victim can withdraw the charge.

If the case goes to trial, you will be required to attend court and, if necessary, give evidence.

What happens if an accused is convicted?

If the person is convicted of a crime they might receive a custodial (jail) sentence and/or be placed on a Probation Order.

You may feel that certain conditions need to be in place to keep you safe such as no contact and staying away from your residence, work and school. You will have the opportunity to complete a victim impact statement prior to sentencing. Assistance will be provided by the Victim Witness Assistance Program.

You may also receive a copy of the Probation Order outlining the conditions imposed upon the accused.

It is a Criminal Offence for the accused to breach (break) any of the conditions outlined in the Probation Order and breaches should be reported to the police.

What is the Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)?

The Victim Witness Assistance Program, under the Ministry of the Attorney General, serves victims who are involved in a judicial process as a result of being a victim of a crime

It provides information about the criminal and family court systems, court accompaniment where requested, relays information to the office of the Crown Attorney and undertakes victim advocacy. It also informs victims of the outcome of hearings and monitors the processes.

What else happens when the police are involved?

Your safety and that of any children will be discussed with you.

If you require a place of safety or a shelter, an officer will advise or assist you.

You will be asked to provide a statement about the incident, preferably on video.

If you have suffered an injury, photographs of the injury will be taken with your consent.

Photographs may also be taken a few days later as more bruising occurs.

Police may take photographs of other evidence such as destruction of furniture, the home, vehicle or other damage done.

If there are children in the household that witnessed the abuse they may be interviewed. This is done with great care and skill to minimize further stress on the children.

The Children's Aid Society will be notified of the occurrence so that they may offer you assistance.

Whether or not charges are laid, the victim will be given the opportunity to speak with a trained Victim Services Worker from Victim Services of Nipissing District who can offer immediate emotional support and practical assistance and referrals to various services in the community such as shelters and counselling. Victim Services can also meet with the individual to assess immediate safety concerns, longer-term safety planning and eligibility for limited financial assistance. They are available 24 hours a day through police referral, and regular business hours for self-referral. For further information on the services provided by Victim Services of Nipissing District, visit www.vsnd.ca

Will my immigration status be affected if I'm not a citizen or landed immigrant?

Your immigration status in Canada will NOT automatically be affected by police intervention for domestic violence.

If you have any questions concerning your status, call the Canadian Immigration Office Inquiries Line at 1-888-242-2100 or get independent legal advice from a lawyer specializing in Immigration Law.

What if I have a child custody dispute?

If you and the accused have children together, you are both entitled to custody of them. If you cannot agree on a custody arrangement, you may apply to the Family Court for interim (temporary) or full custody.

The police are often called to enforce court orders dealing with parents' rights of access to their children.

Even though there may be an order in place allowing for visitation, the police do not have the power to intervene and enforce the order unless specifically directed by the court to do so.

In order to take action such as apprehending and delivering a child, police will need a valid (i.e.: stamped or certified copy) court order that clearly authorizes them to take action.  If in doubt, police may seek clarification from the Family Court.

If one party refuses to grant access to children, then you need to go back to the court that issued the order. Unless an order containing specific information is obtained, the police are only able to respond to incidents where access is denied and to keep the peace.

What if I think charges should be laid but the police don't?

When police officers DO NOT form reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed and no charges are laid, the victim of the crime may make a private complaint if they disagree.

Individuals may go before a Justice of the Peace to request that a charge be laid on their behalf.

You will be required to provide a police occurrence number to the Justice of the Peace.

What is a Peace Bond?

A peace bond is a signed promise, in writing, to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.  If you are afraid that your partner will hurt you or your children, the family property, or pets, but you do not want to call the police or the police have not charged him, you can apply for a peace bond.

You must ask for a peace bond from a Justice of the Peace, and be able to explain why you need it.  You and your partner would have to appear in court and a hearing may be necessary.

If issued (one year period), breaching a condition of a peace bond is a criminal offence.

What is an Exclusive Possession Order?

If you are legally married, or share property ownership with the accused, you may apply for an order from the Family Court which may give you exclusive possession of the matrimonial home. This will allow you to keep your partner off the property and gives you the right to keep your partner out of the home.

Seek legal advice to obtain an Exclusive Possession Order.

Related Links

Nipissing Transition House

Victim Services of Nipissing District

Paid Duty is a service provided for functions or events. It is arranged for and authorized by the North Bay Police Service provided by off-duty members and paid for by the organization requesting the services from the North Bay Police Service.

Click here to download the Paid Duty Request Form

How to Access Service:

To request a Paid Duty Officer:

• Contact the Traffic Sergeant at (705) 497-5555 ext. 508 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except statutory holidays).  Weekends and statutory holidays fax completed form to (705) 497-5591
• Complete and sign the Paid Duty Request Form. The signed Form can be faxed to (705) 497-5599 or e-mailed to nbpolice@northbaypolice.on.ca.

A Paid Duty Officer may be requested for:

• Traffic control
• Security at dances, concerts, festivals
• Wide load escorts and other escorts
• Patrols
• Special events
• Sporting events

Paid Duty Conditions:

• The hourly rate is $66.77 plus H.S.T. effective Jan 1st 2016.
• Paid duties are for a minimum of 3 hours.
• Cancellation notice of less than 24 hours shall result in billing for 3 hours.
• Any partial hour worked that is equal to 15 minutes or more will be charged at the rate of a full hour.
• Police vehicles are available upon request. The hourly rate for the use of a police vehicle is $35.00 plus HST.
• Paid duties in excess of 16 hours require a CERTIFIED cheque with the agreement before agreement will be accepted.

DO NOT BRING FIREARMS INTO A POLICE BUILDING

If you wish to surrender firearm(s) to police for disposal please contact the North Bay Police Service at (705) 497-5589 to make arrangements. When you arrive at Police Headquarters please leave the firearm secured in your vehicle and speak with the Officer at the front counter before bringing the gun inside.

If you are making arrangements for the surrender of a non-restricted firearm you will be asked to sign a Quit Claim form giving authorization for the destruction of the firearm.

Restricted or prohibited firearms may not be transported without a Permit to Transport. If you do not have a Permit please contact (705) 497-5589 to arrange pick up by an officer.

To:

1. Report a change of address (within the compulsory 30 days of relocating).
2. Apply for a PAL / POL license.
3. Transfer firearm(s) to a properly licensed individual.
4. Sell firearm(s) according to guidelines and complete the transfer.

Please call the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 for more information, or visit http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm

Ontario's Highway Traffic Act requires every driver of a motor vehicle who is directly or indirectly involved in a collision to report it to police, if it results in injuries or if the damage to property exceeds a combined value of $2,000.

Call 911 immediately if...

If the collision involves any of the following, call 911:

• injuries or fatalities;
• pedestrians or cyclists;
• vehicles requiring tow trucks;
• damage to public or private property (signs, fences, utility poles, etc.);
• municipal, provincial and federal government vehicles;
• hazardous or dangerous goods; and/or
• suspected criminal activity*

*Suspected criminal activity includes: impaired driving; stolen vehicles; assaults; uninsured or suspended drivers; and drivers who were seen to have failed to remain at the scene of accident (please provide a description of vehicle and/or driver).

Visit the Collision Reporting Centre if...

If none of the above conditions apply and the collision occurred in North Bay or Callander and the combined vehicle damage exceeds $2,000, complete the following steps:

1. If it's safe to do so, remove your vehicle from traffic areas;
2. Exchange information (see list below) with the other driver(s) and witness(es);
3. Bring in your vehicle and the information, in person, to:

Collision Reporting Centre
135 Princess Street West, North Bay
Telephone: 705-497-1600

Hours of operation
Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Statutory Holidays.

Information required:

1. your driver's licence;
2. your vehicle ownership;
3. your insurance liability card;
4. the involved vehicle so photos of any damage can be taken;
5. the other driver's information (driver's name, address, phone number and driver's licence number; vehicle owner's name, address, and phone number, if different from driver; vehicle's plate number; name of insurance company and policy number.); and
6. the witness's information, if applicable (name, address and phone number).

After hours?

Residents of North Bay or Callander

If you are a local resident and the collision occurred here, report it as soon as you can to the Collision Reporting Centre.

Non-residents

If you are not a resident of either North Bay or Callander but the collision occurred within the city or municipality limits, call the North Bay Police Service's non-emergency telephone number at 705-472-1234 and a police officer will attend to complete the Motor Vehicle Collision Report.

About the Collision Reporting Centre

The Collision Reporting Centre is operated by Accident Support Services International Ltd., a private company that partners with police and insurance companies in several collision reporting centers throughout Ontario. The company's primary focus is to provide customer service to the public while providing cost containment measures for both the police and the insurance industries.

The Collision Reporting Centre will:

• help you complete the police report;
• inspect your vehicle for damage;
• photograph your vehicle's damaged area;
• apply a "Damage Reported to Police" sticker to your vehicle;
• offer you the free use of a telephone so that you may contact loved ones, your broker and/or your insurer; and
• assist you in finding a rental vehicle or vehicle repair facility.

Failure to report

If you are a driver involved in a vehicle collision where the combined damage to vehicles exceeds $2,000 and you fail to report the collision, you can be charged with an offence under the Highway Traffic Act.

There is no need to contact police or the Collision Reporting Centre if:

• the combined damage to vehicles is less than $2,000;
• there are no injuries or fatalities;
• no pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the collision;
• no vehicle requires towing;
• there is no damage to public or private property;
• no municipal, provincial or federal government vehicle was involved in the collision;
• there are no hazardous or dangerous goods involved in the collision; and
• there is no suspected criminal activity involved in the collision, such as impaired driving, stolen vehicles, assaults, hit and runs, or uninsured or suspended drivers.