News Release: City Launches Downtown Safety Patrol Pilot
The City of Dauphin is pleased to announce the launch of its six-month Downtown Safety Patrol Pilot, a proactive initiative designed to enhance public safety, increase visibility, and strengthen relationships throughout the community's downtown.
Beginning July 7, patrol officers from Classify Security Group (CSG) will conduct regular foot patrols throughout the downtown core, Vermillion Park, and the Dauphin Recreation Complex. Easily identifiable in uniform, patrol officers will provide a highly visible and approachable presence while engaging with residents, businesses, visitors, and vulnerable individuals in a professional, respectful, and compassionate manner. They will also monitor public spaces, report issues such as vandalism, damaged property, hazards, or other concerns affecting public areas, and notify the appropriate agencies or City departments.
The Downtown Safety Patrol is intended to complement – not replace – the work of the RCMP and emergency services. Patrol officers will observe and report concerns, provide assistance where appropriate, help deter undesirable behaviour through their visible presence, and connect individuals with available community resources when needed.
The pilot was developed in response to ongoing concerns expressed by residents and businesses regarding community safety, while recognizing the importance of balancing community safety with support for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or addictions.
"This initiative represents another important step in our ongoing efforts to improve safety and the overall experience in our downtown," said Mayor David Bosiak. "Residents and businesses have told us they want to see a greater visible presence in the community, and this pilot responds directly to that feedback. By combining proactive patrols with strong partnerships and a community-focused approach, we're working to create a downtown that is welcoming, vibrant, and safe for everyone."
Throughout the pilot, patrol officers will work closely with the City of Dauphin, the RCMP, local businesses, and community organizations to help address emerging community needs. The City will regularly review patrol activity and, as needed, adjust patrol locations, schedules, and areas of focus to ensure the program remains responsive and effective. Residents and businesses are encouraged to approach patrol officers with non-emergency concerns or questions when they encounter them throughout the downtown.
The pilot will operate for six months, during which the City will monitor patrol activity, gather feedback from businesses, residents, community partners, and law enforcement, and evaluate the program's effectiveness in improving public safety and community confidence.
The Downtown Safety Patrol is one component of the City's broader Community Safety and Well-Being Strategy, which focuses on collaboration, prevention, and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to community safety challenges.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to say hello to patrol officers when they see them working throughout the community.
Media Contact:
Lisa Gaudet, PhD, CMMA
Deputy City Manager
City of Dauphin
204-622-3200
lisa.gaudet@dauphin.ca