The safety of Moose Jaw’s downtown core has been a topic of discussion since Moose Jaw Police Service Chief Robert Davis took on his new role more than nine months ago. Now, Davis says he wanted to see the situation for himself after hearing concerns from residents and business owners. “I don't know the histories, I don't know the backgrounds, but one thing that I do bring from my 36 years in law enforcement is if we look at the stats, what life was like before and what life was like after, we can just look at strictly the stats and see what that tells us,” said Davis. “My role as the chief is to make sure this city is safe.” During last week’s June meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners, Davis presented downtown calls-for-service data comparing year-over-year trends within a three-block radius. The area examined included Ross Street East and West to 1st Avenue Northwest and Northeast, extending south to Ominica Street West and East. The data compared December 2024 to December 2025, as well as January to May 2025 compared with January to May 2026. Davis explained that the purpose of presenting the information was not to create controversy, but rather to provide the board with the available data. Downtown calls increase year-over-year The data showed every month examined saw an increase in calls for service compared with the previous year. The largest increases occurred in March and May 2026, with both months seeing nearly 200 per cent increases year-over-year. The calls included reports involving unwanted guests, mischief, theft under and over $5,000, mental health concerns and disturbances. Davis highlighted several examples from the data. “Unwanted guests go up from six to 18 calls. The other big spike is theft under $5,000 goes from four to nine, and then the biggest jump is mental health calls. PACT goes from one call to 21 calls,” explained Davis. According to maps presented during the meeting, some of the current hotspots where officers are frequently dispatched include the Moose Jaw Public Library, Moose Jaw Co-op and the intersection of Main Street North and Hochelaga Street West. Mental health supports discussed During the meeting, Police Commissioner Katherine King questioned Davis on what actions could be taken following the release of the data. “How do we collectively as a society, as a city, as citizens, have that one variable addressed so that there's some checks and balances to prevent this type of behavior being the spin-off?” asked King. Davis said the information could help identify areas where additional resources may be needed, including possible mental health supports or increased access to Police and Crisis Teams (PACT). “This is just straight data right now. It helps us to look at where the trends and hotspots are. But looking at how we prevent that, well, maybe that is part of it,” said Davis. Related Stories: Man steals $3,000 during downtown cash swap, Moose Jaw Police search for suspect Moose Jaw police seek suspect in downtown parking meter vandalism Moose Jaw police seek suspects in graffiti vandalism incident MJPS sees decrease in crimes in May ▶️ Stream this news story: 800 CHAB, Country 100, Mix 103 Winter increases surprise police chief Davis added that he was surprised by the increase in calls during the winter months, noting that police typically see fewer calls for service during colder weather. “Typically, you'll see people huddle down to get through the winter and the cold months.” He said the data will continue to be monitored, with the goal of collecting a full year’s worth of information before presenting updated findings to the board in January 2027. In the meantime, Davis said the information will help guide where officers and the newly formed ViPER Patrol are deployed throughout the city. Chief emphasizes importance of downtown safety Davis said ensuring residents feel comfortable using public spaces remains a priority for the Moose Jaw Police Service. “You think of the longtime residents of this city who worked their entire lives and paid taxes to build beautiful facilities here like Crescent Park, like the library, like the museum, they deserve now in their retirement years to feel safe,” said Davis. “We know where we need to be visible because we do not want people to be afraid of coming to our downtown, to our public spaces,” added Davis. Downtown calls-for-service data December 2024 (23 calls) vs. December 2025 (51 calls) Increase of 121.74 per cent January 2025 (29 calls) vs. January 2026 (76 calls) Increase of 162 per cent February 2025 (32 calls) vs. February 2026 (82 calls) Increase of 156.25 per cent March 2025 (28 calls) vs. March 2026 (82 calls) Increase of 192.86 per cent April 2025 (35 calls) vs. April 2026 (93 calls) Increase of 165.71 per cent May 2025 (33 calls) vs. May 2026 (97 calls) Increase of 193.94 per cent