In the first three months of 2025, the Dauphin RCMP received 1,460 calls for service.
In the first three months of 2026, the number of calls for service has declined. There have been 1,389 calls for service from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026. These calls can range from a quick response to a more serious call.
Mark Smaill is the Staff Sergeant for the Detachment Commander for the Dauphin RCMP. He's been in Dauphin for just over a year and says the seriousness of calls in the first quarter last year to this year is similar.
The Dauphin Detachment has a complement of 23 police officers. All positions are filled, which includes a large influx of members from the Depot in Regina. Those officers are currently going through a six-month field coaching program.
When Smaill arrived in Dauphin, at times, the Detachment was down to 60 percent of its staffing complement.
"You know, when I came here to Dauphin, the staffing was not all that great," said Smaill. "I don't think it was any secret that right across Manitoba, the RCMP was struggling with numbers. That has changed dramatically in the last six months. It's a great thing for Dauphin and the province."
Recently, the Dauphin Detachment began foot patrols. Foot patrols help officers connect with the community and, in some cases, spot crimes that may not be possible while driving around. If you do spot an officer, you're encouraged to speak with them.
While you may not have a badge on, we can all play a part in keeping Dauphin a safe and warm place.
"We may not be able to fix every problem. We will be able to work with people on public safety and brainstorm ideas on how we can work together," added Smaill. "We have some great service groups that work with us on public safety issues, and that's really appreciated."
One of those groups is Dauphin Citizens on Patrol. They currently have 12 volunteers who are the extra eyes and ears around the city. In conjunction with the Dauphin RCMP, Citizens on Patrol has begun handing out vehicle stickers that read "all valuables removed". It's aimed at deterring criminals from breaking into your vehicle.
You can get your sticker during business hours at City Hall or at the Dauphin Detachment.
Smaill says you'll notice officers out and about more often during the summer months. Tips to stay safe this summer include locking your vehicle, locking your doors, keeping the lights on at your home, and removing all valuables.
The City of Dauphin's 9:00 p.m. routine continues until the end of the month. The city has been challenging you to take a few simple steps every night at 9:00 p.m. to help reduce theft and property crime in the community.
They say it takes 21 days to build a habit. It's now your turn to make a new habit of helping to keep our community a safer place.
"We have an excellent mayor and council that are looking to help in whatever way they can with public safety," continued Smaill. "We have a great partnership with the City of Dauphin."
Small or big, Smaill urges everyone to report crimes.
"Even if you think it's a small situation, we need to hear about it. That way we know what is going on in the community," commented Smaill. "Sometimes I think people believe the police know everything that is going on. We try our best, but we know that the public is often our eyes and ears, and we need to hear from them."
When hitting the road this summer, it's also critical to do so sober.
In 2024, 15 people died, and 118 were injured in crashes involving impaired driving in Manitoba. From 2020 to 2025, 91 people died and more than 350 sustained injuries due to impaired driving.
If you use Cannabis, wait a minimum of 24 hours before getting behind the wheel.
If you're a heavy user, it builds up in your system and takes an entire 30 days to clear. This means you could be impaired and not even realize it. The penalties for driving under the influence of Cannabis are the same as those for driving under the influence of alcohol.
"I really encourage people, for everyone's safety, to stay sober," ended Smaill. "Plan a safe ride home if you're consuming. Just know, we will be out there to keep the roads and highways safe."
Another big problem is driving fatigued. On average, one person is killed and five are seriously injured in fatigue-related crashes every year in Manitoba. Studies have shown that less than five hours of sleep doubles your motor vehicle collision risk.
It's recommended that you get seven to eight hours of sleep overnight before operating a vehicle.
Some warning signs that you're too tired to be behind the wheel include constant yawning, trouble keeping your eyes open, being unable to remember the last few kilometres driven, drifting, and wandering thoughts.
If you are driving tired and are caught, you can be charged with careless driving, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, or criminal negligence.
