7 Major Updates: What The City Of Fargo Police Department Is Doing Right Now (Dec 2025)

Contents

The City of Fargo Police Department (FPD) is currently navigating a period of significant operational and community-focused change, with new initiatives, leadership strategies, and recent high-profile case updates dominating the headlines as of late December 2025. This in-depth report cuts through the noise to provide the most current and essential information on the FPD's structure, leadership, and performance metrics, directly addressing the public's curiosity about one of North Dakota's most critical law enforcement agencies.

The department, led by Chief David Zibolski, continues to focus on data-driven policing and community trust, successfully reducing the overall crime rate in 2024 while simultaneously increasing its calls for service. The FPD’s commitment to transparency is evident in its regular release of NIBRS Crime Statistics and its proactive approach to community engagement through programs like the Community Engagement Team (CET), ensuring a modern and responsive police force for the citizens of Fargo.

Fargo Police Department Leadership and Biographical Profile

The Fargo Police Department is commanded by a seasoned Chief of Police whose vision has shaped the department's modern, community-oriented approach. This profile provides a detailed look at the current leadership.

Chief of Police David Zibolski: A Detailed Biography

  • Current Role: Chief of Police, City of Fargo Police Department.
  • Appointment Date: Appointed as Fargo's Police Chief on October 5, 2020.
  • Previous Experience: Prior to joining the FPD, Chief Zibolski served 27 years with the Milwaukee Police Department.
  • Department Size: He proudly leads the dedicated FPD team, which includes approximately 192 sworn officers and 28 civilian personnel, overseeing a department of 215 employees.
  • Vision: His tenure has been marked by a focus on officer wellness, trust-building, and data-driven strategies, including the adoption of the 30x30 Initiative and the IACP Trust Building Campaign.
  • Executive Staff: The Chief works alongside a capable Executive Staff, including key personnel like Captain Troy Hannig, who has served in various operational, investigative, and leadership roles since joining the FPD in 2007.

FPD's Current Operational Structure and Core Divisions

To effectively patrol and serve the city's 50.77 square miles, the Fargo Police Department is organized into a clear, functional structure designed for efficiency and accountability. The department's operational capacity is divided into three primary operational divisions, each commanded by a Captain.

Key Functional Entities and Divisions:

  • Patrol Division: The backbone of the department, responsible for 24/7 emergency response, traffic enforcement, and proactive community patrol. Sworn police officers are the first responders to the vast majority of calls for service.
  • Criminal Investigations Division (CID): Tasked with solving complex and major crimes. This division handles cases ranging from property crimes to homicides, utilizing specialized training and forensic analysis.
  • Community Engagement Team (CET): A crucial unit focused on proactive engagement, aiming to build trust and collaboration within Fargo's neighborhoods. CET Officers work to strengthen community relationships outside of emergency response scenarios.
  • Records Unit: Provides essential administrative support, managing and maintaining all official police records, reports, and data, including the NIBRS Crime Statistics.
  • Community Service Officers (CSOs): Civilian personnel who support sworn officers by handling non-emergency calls and administrative duties, freeing up officers for critical patrol functions.

2025 Crime Statistics and Key Performance Indicators

The FPD utilizes data-driven policing, with its Intelligence & Analysis Unit regularly publishing NIBRS Crime Statistics. Recent reports provide a mixed but generally positive outlook on public safety in Fargo.

Fargo's Crime Trends (2024 vs. 2025 Q1):

In 2024, the Fargo Police Department reported a significant success with the overall crime rate decreasing by nearly seven percent compared to the previous year. This reduction occurred despite an increase in the total number of calls for service.

  • Overall Crime Rate: Down in 2024.
  • Calls for Service: Increased in 2024, indicating higher community interaction and reporting.
  • Violent Crime Spikes: While overall crime was down, specific violent crime categories saw increases in 2024, including murder (six cases compared to two the year before), rape, and robbery cases.
  • 2025 Outlook: Chief Zibolski has expressed satisfaction with the first quarter of 2025 crime rates. The FPD reported more than 500 arrests and over 2,000 offenses in Q1 of 2025, suggesting a continued proactive enforcement posture.

Major Recent FPD Initiatives and Community Programs

Beyond daily patrol and investigative work, the FPD is actively investing in new initiatives focused on officer well-being and strengthening community bonds. These programs are key to the department’s long-term strategy for a modern police force.

Three Key Departmental Initiatives:

  1. Officer Wellness Initiative: Recognizing the mental and emotional toll of policing, the FPD has expanded its wellness program to offer comprehensive services and support for both sworn officers and civilian personnel. This is a critical component of staff retention and operational health.
  2. The 30x30 Initiative Pledge: The FPD has signed this national pledge, committing to improving the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. The goal is to reach 30% female representation in police recruit classes by 2030.
  3. IACP Trust Building Campaign: The department completed this pledge launched by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). This initiative focuses on developing and implementing policies that enhance community trust and departmental transparency.

Core Community Engagement Programs:

The FPD’s commitment to community policing is best demonstrated through its specialized outreach programs, designed to foster positive interactions between officers and residents:

  • Fargo United: This program focuses on hyper-local engagement, with officers going into specific neighborhoods and parks to host events with free food and music. The goal is to create a relaxed environment for positive interaction.
  • Youth Programming: The Community Engagement Team runs numerous youth programs aimed at providing positive mentorship and reducing racial and social disparities through early intervention and engagement.
  • Community Meetings: The FPD regularly hosts community meetings focused on neighborhood-specific issues. For instance, a meeting was scheduled for December 11, 2025, as part of a series of neighborhood-focused events to address local concerns directly.

High-Profile Case and Operational Updates (December 2025)

In December 2025, the FPD was involved in several newsworthy events that underscore the day-to-day challenges and successes of the force.

A major focus was the case involving homicide suspect Tyrque Jones. The FPD informed the public about the initial release of the suspect and subsequently held a news conference regarding his arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service in Minneapolis on December 3, 2025. This case highlights the collaborative investigative work between the FPD and federal agencies.

On the operational front, the FPD, in coordination with the City of Fargo, also communicated an update regarding MATBUS Services, which were scheduled to begin late on Thursday, December 18, 2025, with all routes and Paratransit service starting at 10:15 a.m. This type of communication demonstrates the department's role in broader public safety and municipal coordination during weather or other operational disruptions.

The Future of Policing in Fargo

The City of Fargo Police Department is clearly focused on a future defined by professional excellence, community partnership, and cutting-edge data analysis. The combination of strong leadership from Chief Zibolski, a commitment to officer wellness, and proactive community outreach through the Community Engagement Team positions the FPD as a forward-thinking law enforcement agency. While facing challenges like the increase in certain violent crimes, the overall downward trend in the crime rate and the positive Q1 2025 arrest statistics suggest that the department's strategic initiatives are yielding tangible results for the Cass County community. Residents can expect continued transparency and a strong emphasis on building trust in the years to come.

7 Major Updates: What the City of Fargo Police Department is Doing Right Now (Dec 2025)
city of fargo police department
city of fargo police department

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