Punjab Police is reportedly considering a major restructuring of the Dolphin Force, with a proposal to gradually phase out the specialized unit and merge its personnel into the regular district police force across the province.
According to reports, the proposed move is primarily aimed at addressing staff shortages at police stations and improving the availability of personnel for routine policing duties. If approved, Dolphin Force personnel could be assigned to district-level operations involving crime prevention, investigation support, patrolling, emergency response, and other day-to-day policing responsibilities.
The Dolphin Force was initially launched in Lahore in 2016 as a specialized rapid-response unit designed to improve street security and provide quick assistance during emergencies. Officers were deployed on motorcycles to respond swiftly to incidents and maintain a visible police presence in busy urban areas. The initiative was subsequently expanded to several other cities across Punjab.
However, the force has reportedly faced a number of operational challenges in recent years. These include difficulties related to motorcycle maintenance, shortages of serviceable vehicles, and other logistical issues that have affected its effectiveness and deployment capacity.
The proposed restructuring is therefore being considered as a way to make better use of available police personnel and strengthen the overall district policing system. By integrating Dolphin Force officers into regular police units, authorities could potentially increase manpower at police stations and improve coverage for investigations, patrolling, and emergency duties.
Despite the reports, no final decision or official notification has been issued so far. The proposal is still under consideration, and any restructuring will depend on approval from Punjab’s senior police leadership and the relevant authorities.
