DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque Police Department released its monthly activity report for May 2026, showing notable increases in several key metrics compared to the previous month, while impaired driving arrests remained steady.

According to the department’s official statistics, officers responded to 3,441 calls for service in May, a significant rise from 2,991 calls in April — an increase of 450 calls, or roughly 15%. This uptick suggests heightened demand for police services during the month, potentially driven by seasonal factors such as warmer weather, increased outdoor activity, tourism along the Mississippi River, or community events.

Arrests rose from 210 in April to 233 in May, while the department served 62 warrants, up slightly from 59. Citations remained relatively stable at 515 (up from 506), but written warnings saw a sharp increase to 223, compared to 163 the prior month. The number of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) arrests held steady at 28 for both months.

A footnote in the report clarifies that arrests include both custodial and non-custodial bookings and that the statistics “do not infer or imply guilt for any person arrested or cited.”

Context and Implications

The increase in calls for service and enforcement activity comes as Dubuque continues to balance public safety needs in a growing mid-sized Iowa community. Higher written warnings may indicate a proactive approach to traffic and minor violations, potentially serving as a deterrent before more serious offenses occur. The consistent OWI numbers, while unchanged month-over-month, remain a point of focus for law enforcement, especially during late spring and summer when social gatherings tend to increase.

Police officials have not yet issued a formal statement on the May figures, but the data reflects continued operational intensity following April’s totals. Year-over-year comparisons were not included in the released reports.

The Dubuque Police Department, which traces its history back to 1837, regularly publishes these monthly summaries to promote transparency with the community. Residents can typically access full reports on the city or department website.

As summer approaches, local leaders and law enforcement will likely monitor whether these trends continue, particularly regarding traffic enforcement and impaired driving prevention. Community safety initiatives, such as increased patrols in high-call areas or public awareness campaigns, may play a role in addressing the elevated activity levels observed in May.