High risk offender in this community: Police

Thunder Bay Police have taken the unusual, but not unheard of, step of informing the public about a dangerous offender moving to the city.

Police spokesman Chris Adams said on Wednesday that Tamara Lynn Papin has a long history of violence in her criminal past and was released from the Edmonton Institute for Women after serving 27 months for aggravated assault and possession of a weapon.

Under a long-term supervision order, Adams said it’s the police service’s belief that Papin poses a serious risk for violence against adult males and females.

“She has a violent crime history dating back into the ‘80s, with several serious offences. It is a concern to us if she is coming to this community,” Adams said.

“It’s pretty rare that we come forward and actually release someone’s personal information like this, especially when they’ve been released from custody. But when there is a perceived risk to the public, risk that this person may reoffend, then we exercise our authority which exists under the Police Act to do so.”

Papin will be under supervision through the federal  parole board, but police said the public should still exercise caution should they run into her on the street.

Papin, 48, is described as a heavy-built Aboriginal female standing 4-foot-10 and weighing 171 pounds. She has long brown hair and is scheduled for release from prison on Thursday.

Adams said he’s not sure why Papin chose Thunder Bay.

“As far as we know there is no personal connection to Thunder Bay. It was a decision that was made by the federal parole board,” Adams said.

He added the public does not need to notify police should they encounter Papin.

“She is allowed, under certain conditions to be out in the public. The fact of the matter is she poses a potential risk to adult male and females and as a result, it’s just about using caution. If you find yourself having an interaction with this person, just remember the background of who you are dealing with.”