F A R G O
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P O L I C E
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annual and mid-year report Published 6.14.21
OUR VISION A safe and unified community built on trust, accountability, and inclusion.
OUR MISSION Provide the highest level of service through community partnerships, being a well-trained police department, and forward thinking policing to improve the quality of life for all.
OUR VALUES F air. We are committed to provide unbiased services to all members of our community. A ccountable. We take responsibility for our actions and we are responsible for holding the community accountable. We are mindful that we answer to each other, the department, and most importantly the people we serve. R espect. We believe that all human life has value and deserves respect. We will treat all those we serve in a compassionate, courteous, and dignified manner. G uardianship. We will guard, protect, and preserve all life and property in the Fargo community as well as each other. O fficer Wellness. In order to provide the best possible service to the community, our officers need to be mentally and physically healthy both at home and in our professional role as police officers. P rofessional, We demonstrate professionalism by being accountable, competent, and character driven in our role to safeguard the community. We strive to implement the latest technologies and law enforcement practices to give our community the best service possible. D iverse. We recognize our community is very diverse. Our department strives to be inclusive of all cultures and backgrounds while committed to being impartial, unbiased, and respectful of all our citizens. -1-
MESSAGE FROM THE Dear Fargo Community Members,
Chief
I am extremely elated to have been chosen as your new Chief in October of 2020. The support our department members and I have received from the Mayor, City Commission, and our Fargo community has been outstanding and exemplifies why Fargo is such a great city. Your support incentivizes all of our employees as we strive to create a safe and unified community built on trust, accountability and inclusion. The 2020/2021 Fargo Police Department Mid-Year Report focuses on the very important goals and objectives that were set forth at the beginning of my tenure, while reporting on events of 2020. As you will see in this report, the work of our department members led to successful goal accomplishment in many areas, while other goals and objectives are actively being pursued. The report also focuses on the successes and challenges of 2020, a year like no other. Our department and community struggled not only through a pandemic, but we experienced an iconic time of upheaval in many of our communities, including Fargo. We recognize new paths need to be forged and new relationships need to be built in order to enhance and sustain community relationships and trust, as well as ensure public safety for all. Our department will continue to address these issues head on, working collaboratively with our community to ensure a safe and prosperous city of Fargo for all. I am extremely proud of the men and women of this department and the efforts and commitment they exhibit every day. Guided by a newly created vision, mission and set of core values, we seek to be role models both within our community and our profession. I hope you enjoy the 2020/2021 mid-year report and thanks for your support!
David B. Zibolski Chief of Police Fargo Police Department
Photo Credit: Urban Toad Media
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a new era
WHERE WE ARE NOW
In May 2020, Chief David Todd (ret.) announced his intent to retire in July 2020. The Police Chief Selection Committee consisted of 15 individuals including elected officials, City of Fargo Administrators, Fargo Police Department representatives, a Human Relations Commission representative, a Native American Commission representative, a Civil Service Commission representative, Fargo Park District Executive Director, Fargo Public Schools Superintendent and several community members which represented the diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences of the Fargo community.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES The Chief selected seven employees from various workgroups in the department to serve on the Vision, Mission, Values (VMV) Committe. Members worked collectively to establish a new vision, mission, and values for the department which provides a perspective, both internally and externally, about how the department conducts its business, what our goals and expectations are, and how we hold ourselves accountable to each other and the public. The department shared a short video highlighting the new vision, mission, and values. Watch now.
Chief David B. Zibolski was selected and sworn in to office as the 37th Chief of Police of Fargo on October 5, 2020. Chief Zibolski, in his interview, identified goals he wished to accomplish in his first 90 days which included implementing body worn cameras, a new vision, mission and values, department reorganization, a new staffing schedule, establish relationships with community leaders and members, hold community meetings, and one-on-one meetings with command staff, line-level and civilian staff to gain insight of the department and learn what could be improved upon.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
The VMV Committee worked closely with the City of Fargo Communications Team to design new branding which incorporates the department's iconic patch and new VMV.
During Chief Zibolski's interview, he laid out his 90 day plan which included meeting with local community groups to address their concerns regarding the policing of our community. Chief Zibolski completed a virtual community meeting, and an in-person community meeting where the dynamics and laws of traffic stops were covered. Additional meetings are forthcoming to continue to discuss important issues such as body worn cameras, use of force, and police reform in order to further relationships and build trust.
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TRAINING In April 2021, the department held a mandatory implicit bias training, The Hidden Biases of Good People: Implications for Law Enforcement Officers and the Community They Serve , presented by Dr. Bryant Marks of the National Training Institute on Race and Equity. This training emphasized what implicit bias is, what causes it, how it affects the person who holds the bias, and how it can be reduced or managed at the individual level. The training was provided to all employees, both sworn and civilian. Learn more about this training here. The department is working to schedule Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics and Leadership in Police Organizations training in 2021 and 2022. Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) takes critical thinking, crisis intervention, communications, and tactics, and puts them together to help officers assess and deescalate situations, make safe and effective decisions, and document and learn from their actions. Leadership in Police Organizations is the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) flagship threeweek leadership development program. It will also be the department's cornerstone leadership program that will be available to all personnel.
POLICY In light of national conversations regarding law enforcement and criminal justice reform, Mayor Mahoney, Chief Todd (ret.), and command staff worked together to revise the use of force policy pertaining to chokeholds. Chokeholds were always considered outside of policy and are not part of the department’s arrest tactics. The policy was revised to better reflect this by adding in verbiage specifically prohibiting the use of a chokehold as a means to arrest someone. The Department continues to review and update policies in order to help police officers make the best possible decisions in critical situations, to assure officers comply with laws, and to promote police accountability. Up-to-date policies are available to the public on the department's website.
STAFFING SCHEDULE Chief Zibolski examined the department's staffing schedule, with input from officers, and implemented a new schedule that not only provides a better work-life balance for officers, but also puts more officers on the street when needed. Calls for service and crime data were used to identify times of need. The new schedule increases the department's capacity and ability to accomplish tasks, and it provides a better schedule for the officers as well as a common training day. In today's dynamic world, officers need to be able to train quickly, address critical issues immediately, and keep officers updated on legal changes, technology and best practices. The new schedule also provides for additional community engagement meetings and gatherings.
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BODY WORN CAMERAS The Body Worn Camera Team, which included 14 sworn and civilian department members, started working on this project in September 2020, and did a tremendous job expediently working through the process. They reviewed demonstrations by seven vendors, developed a Request for Purchase (RFP), reviewed four proposals, and unanimously selected Axon as the preferred vendor in February 2021. The department will purchase the Axon package, and start the preparation process for the implementation of the hardware, including policy implementation and training. The department anticipates rolling out the products by early August 2021.
HOUSE BILL 1287 Chief Zibolski worked closely with West Fargo Police Chief Dennis Otterness, and ND House of Representatives on House Bill 1287. This bill provides an enhanced penalty for drug dealers and traffickers found guilty of selling, distributing, or delivering a controlled substance, which causes the death of an individual, while maintaining protections from criminal prosecution under the 'Good Samaritan' law. With a significant rise in the amount of overdose deaths since 2018, the department hopes this bill will deter illegal drug trafficking in our community, and act as a means to hold those responsible for adversely affecting not only our community, but the families affected by the loss of a loved one from overdose. In 2020, the FPD responded to 91 incidents involving a possible overdose. Of those 91 incidents, 18 people died. This data is a sharp increase from 2019. The FPD Narcotics Unit conducts investigations on all overdose incidents in order to identify the circumstances leading up to the overdose, and whether or not criminal charges are appropriate. The scope of these investigations not meant to file charges against victims or those who assisted the drug traffickers and suppliers are
is the victim in gaining medical attention, but to identify who the in our community and bring them to justice.
100
203%
Officers assisted in 203% more overdoses in 2020 than 2019.
Non-fatal Overdose
53
75 50 25 0
73
Fatal Overdoses
20 15 2016
20
2017
23
19 11 2018
11 2019
18
2020
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DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION PLAN Chief Zibolski worked with a group of department members to examine the whole structure of the department. They identified areas which could be improved upon in order to provide a better work environment for all personnel by ensuring the appropriate personnel were performing the right roles and responsibilities, while increasing transparency with our community. The Neighborhood Services Division, formerly known as the Field Services Division, is overseen by a captain, 4 lieutenants, and 14 sergeants. The division includes the department's Patrol, and Specialized Services Unit, which include the Community Engagement Team, School Resource Officers, Community Service Officers, Motorcycle Unit, Bicycle Unit, SWAT, Crowd Management Team, K9, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD). Patrol officers previously worked within one of 4 districts. An analysis of calls for service and where crimes were being committed provided insight, and a change to a new framework, which divided the City into a North and South District with 12 beats. These beats vary in size, and are relevant to the analysis of calls for service and the amount of crimes reported. Under this model, neighborhood-based officers assume responsibility for public safety management within their geographic area. The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is overseen by a captain, two lieutenants, and five sergeants. The division includes Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Intelligence and Analysis, and Evidence and Property. The reorganization plan adds two new civilian crime analyst positions in order to return sworn personnel back to investigative services. The plan also includes permanent detectives versus rotating investigators. These positions improve investigative continuity while increasing the department's ability to push data to the community. This will increase transparency externally, and internally, as we gauge success in reducing crime.
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The Professional Standards Division (PSD), formerly the Administrative Services Division, is overseen by a newly created captain, two lieutenants, three sergeants, and an office manager. The division will include the Records Unit, Training and Development Unit, and Professional Accountability Unit. The Professional Accountability Unit (PAU), formerly the Office of Professional Standards, now consists of a lieutenant and a sergeant. By adding a lieutenant to the unit, we've created a staff and a model that will allow for the quick and consistent review of use of force, pursuits, and high liability incidents from both a policy and training perspective, as well as increase accountability. The change allows for consistency in how incidents are reviewed, what type of discipline or training action is taken, and allows for a timely response back to the officers involved. The PAU is also working on revising related department policies including use of force and personnel complaints. The Training and Development Unit will work closely with the PAU. Much of what the department sees regarding incident reviews or complaints has a lot to do with training issues or needs, versus discipline or internal investigative needs. Marrying these two units together provides a mechanism for the lieutenants to review incidents quickly, and determine whether a discipline or training issue exists. They are then able to put together necessary and appropriate training plans or address it through the disciplinary process. Within the PSD, the reorganization plan calls for the creation of a civilian office manager who will be responsible for overseeing the civilian police support specialists assigned to the Records Unit instead of a sergeant. The plan also creates a new police support specialist who will be responsible for work related to the newly implemented body-worn cameras. The Office of the Chief is a new division which includes a new, reclassified Assistant Chief position. This Assistant Chief will be second in command and will oversee the operations of all divisions and captains. They will also be responsible for risk management, grants, budget, and serve as the emergency management contact for the department. A new position has been created to handle financial and procurement matters, and fulfilled as of May 24, 2021. The public information officer now reports directly to the Chief of Police.
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NORTH DISTRICT
SOUTH DISTRICT
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FARGO POLICE ACADEMY The Fargo Police Department held its first police academy in the midst of a pandemic in the summer of 2020. The department established its own police academy in an effort to increase efficiency in the department's hiring process. The academy enables the department to enhance its police officer training process by teaching the department's policies and procedures in the curriculum of the academy. The 2021 Fargo Police Academy includes 20 recruits who started on May 17, 2021 and will graduate on August 6, 2021. The department anticipates filling its vacancies with Academy graduates.
108
450
7
In 2020, 108 individuals applied, 76 were interviewed, 20 individuals were selected. In 2021, 109 individuals applied, 58 were interviewed, and 20 individuals were selected.
In 2020, 31 FPD members, and 7 instructors from Cass County State's Attorney's Office, Fargo Fire Department, Red River Regional Dispatch Center, and ND Associations of Counties.
In 2020, the department hired 7 of the 16 individuals who completed the academy. One academy graduate was hired by the West Fargo Police Department, and one graduate was promoted to a road deputy position with the Cass County Sheriff's Office.
APPLICANTS
INSTRUCTION HOURS
Pictured above, Class 1 of the Fargo Police Academy (Summer 2020)
NEW RECRUITS
Pictured above, Class 2 of the Fargo Police Academy (Summer 2021)
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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION 2021 CRIME DATA (JANUARY 1-APRIL 30)
*2021 montly crime data can be viewed at fargopolice.com/police-records-data/crime-statistic
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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION SHOOTINGS (January 1 - May 21, 2021)
Shootings are incidents where a victim, or victims, sustain injuries due to the use of a firearm.
2
2
1.5
1
1
1
1
0.5
M ay
M ar ch
Ja nu ar y Fe br ua ry
0
A pr il
0
CLEARANCE | 3 OF 5 | 60% Three of the five shootings were cleared by arrest.
No Arrest 40%
2 3
Arrest 60%
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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION SHOTS FIRED (January 1 - May 21, 2021)
Shots fired calls for service are incidents where gun shots were reported to dispatch by a citizen or the officer, and confirmed by the location of ammunition casings and/or damage to property, but did not result in reported injury to anyone. Shots Fired Calls for Service
Church/Synagog/Temple/Mosque 6.7%
5
5
Bar/Nightclub 6.7%
1
4
4
1 3
3 2
Location of Shots Fired
3 Apartment Building 53.3%
2
1
1
1
8
1
Hotel/Motel/Etc 6.7% Residence/Home 6.7%
M ay
A pr il
M ar ch
0
Ja nu ar y Fe br ua ry
Highway/Road/Alley 20%
CLEARANCE | 9 OF 15 | 60%
9 of the 15 shots fired calls for service were cleared by arrest.
No Arrest 40%
6 9
Arrest 60%
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2020
Highlights
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS DIVISION TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT The department strives to provide the highest level of service to the community by being welltrained and a forward thinking police department. In order to provide the best possible service to our community, our officers need to be mentally and physically healthy both at home and in their professional role as police officers.
11,029
11,487
POST HOURS
In 2020, the department trained for a total of 11,029 hours of ND Peace Officer Standards and Training (ND POST) required training to officers including 513 hours of firearms training, 300 hours of defensive tactics, and 216 hours of active killer training. Officers attended a total of 11,937 ND POST certified training hours in 2020. *1/3 of the department's training was cancelled due to covid-19.
POLICE TRAINING HOURS In 2020, the department trained a total of 23 new officers. Some of these recruits started their training in 2019 and completed in early 2020. The total number of training hours for Police Officer Training (PTO) was 11,487 across 265 weeks. Recruits completed 29 Problem Based Learning Exercises (PBLE), 1,187 journals, and 155 Coaching and Training Reports (CTRs).
RECORDS UNIT The Records Unit includes nine Police Support Specialists who assist the department with records management and assist community members with records distribution.
12,295
574
8,980
Records staff completed 12, 295 transcriptions
574 reports were taken by Records Staff
Records staff processed 4,565 paper citations and 4,415 electronic citations
842
600
Records staff completed 842 sets of fingerprints for the public.
Records staff assisted landlords with approximately 600 incident and criminal report releases
TRANSCRIPTIONS
FINGERPRINTS
REPORTS
CITATIONS
LANDLORD REQUESTS
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PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY UNIT The Professional Accountability Unit (PAU), formerly the Office of Professional Standards, now consists of a lieutenant and a sergeant. By adding a lieutenant to the unit, the department has created a staff and a model that will allow for the quick and consistent review of use of force, pursuits, and high liability incidents from both a policy and training perspective, as well as increase accountability and reporting. The change allows for consistency in how incidents are reviewed, what type of discipline or training action is taken, and allows for a timely response back to the officers involved. In 2020, the division commanders conducted use of force reviews. As of February 2021, the PAU conducts all use of force reviews, and reviews incidents including pursuits, the use of tire deflation device, and department involved motor vehicle crashes. Moving forward, the department will be collecting additional data, such as traffic stop demographics, in order to increase transparency to our community.
INCIDENT REVIEWS In 2020, the PAU conducted 100 incident reviews, involving 125 officers, regarding use of force, motor vehicle crashes, use of a tire deflation device, and officer involved pursuits. Of the 100 incidents, 72 officers were involved in 76 incidents where force was used to overcome resistance. One use of force incident was found to be outside of policy. The department conducted immediate policy review and training to the entire department following this review in order to address safety and policy concerns that became apparent during this review. 2020 Use of Force Incident Reviews
Pepperball* K9 1.1% 4.2%
40mm 3%
2
TASER* 25%
3
1 *In four incidents, officers used multiple types of force. Officers used physical force and a taser in two incidents; and pepperball and oleoresin capsicum (OC) in two incidents.
18
44 4
Physical* 61.1%
OC* 5.6%
USE OF FORCE ANALYSIS In 2020, the officers responded to 77,477 calls for service. Of the 77,477 calls for service, 4,031 physical arrests were made. In 2020, the department had 76 incidents where force was used to control subjects.
Use of Force in Arrests 1.9%
Use of Force in Calls for Service 0.1%
Arrests occurred in 5% of the calls for service Use of force occurred in 0.1 % of the calls for service Use of force occurred in 1.9% of arrests
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PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY UNIT
PERSONNEL COMPLAINTS In 2020, the PAU investigated 34 personnel complaints involving 33 different officers, 3 supervisors, and 1 civilian employee resulting in 46 findings. Six complaints involved multiple employees. 20 18
Number of Complaints Number of Complaints Sustained
15
10
10
6
6
6
5
4
1
4
4
1
Pu rs ui t
M is se d
R ul es
of Co nd uc Co t ur to rD ut U y se Ve of hi Fo cl rc e e O pe ra tio ns
0
PERSONNEL COMPLAINT DISPOSITIONS
PERSONNEL COMPLAINT DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Exonerated Resigned 4.4% 4.3%
EBD 6.1%
PIC 6.1%
LOC 18.2%
GT 3%
Policy and Training Review 18.2%
Not sustained 28.3%
Sustained 63%
LOR 6.1%
Suspension 12.1%
Resignation 9.1% Verbal Reprimand 6.1%
Written Reprimand 15.2%
EBD: Education Based Discipline LOC: Letter of Consultation GT: Guardian Tracker Entry LOR: Letter of Reprimand PIC: Performance Improvement Contract
POLICY REVIEW The PAU is also working on revising related department policies including use of force and personnel complaints to assure it's consistent with best practices, laws, and ND Peace Officer Standards and Training.
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NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DIVISION
77,540
80,000 68,578
71,633
77,477
73,097
CALLS FOR SERVICE Officers responded to 77,477 calls for service in 2020, which is an average of 212 calls for service a day. The total calls for service number does not include traffic stops, community oriented policing, bar checks or field contacts as it did in years past.
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2,488
8,343
5,039
Officers completed 2,488 accident reports.
Officers issued 8,343 citations.
Officers made 5,039 arrests. 449 DUI arrests were made*
*The number of arrests includes Group A and Group B arrests, and includes cited/summons issued. This number does not include DUI refusal arrests.
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DOWNTOWN RESOURCE OFFICERS In 2020, the department added a third Downtown Resource Officer (DRO) in order to provide additional presence at both MATBUS and the downtown Library. The officer acted as the department liaison to both City organizations and created better communication between them. The DROs were also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as they had to adjust the way they policed the downtown area. DROs are usually highly visible and out in the community. The DROs were able to continue this while practicing COVID-19 precautions.
The DROs noticed an increase in issues in the downtown area due to several resources and community partners closing their doors to deal with the ongoing issues of the pandemic. The DROs were often unable to take action with offenders who were committing low level offenses because the Cass County Jail was unable to take in new arrestees. Instead, the DROs worked with other community resources to find alternatives for members of the downtown community who needed help. With the new staffing schedule, the DROs are providing a visible presence seven days a week.
PARK & MOTORCYCLE OFFICERS In 2021, the department's reorganization plan placed the Park Officer back to the department's Neighborhood Services Division. This ensures all parks get coverage at all times, rather than the hours of the Park Officer. Patrol Officers will continue to work closely with the Fargo Park District to ensure all parks are a safe and enjoyable place to visit.
The electric motorcycle that was purchased in 2020, in partnership with Cass County Electric Cooperative and the Fargo Park District, was retained by the department and will be a part of the department's motorcycle fleet. In May 2021, two officers completed the Police Basic Motor Operator Course. The department will be utilizing motorcycles for traffic enforcement, directed patrols, and community engagement going forward. The department has seven trained motorcycle officers, three motorcycles, and one electric bike.
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K9 UNIT In February 2020, the K9 unit acquired a new member, K9 Toby. The department partnered with the FARGODOME to acquire and train K9 Toby. K9 Toby is the first explosives-detection dog in the region. In January 2020, K9 Falco and Officer Dave Cochran appeared on the A&E tv show, "America's Top Dog." The team won their episode, earning $10,000 for the K9 Unit. Also in January 2020, K9 Blue and Sgt. Sam Bollman were called to an apartment where a male was wanted for aggravated assault and was believed to be hiding inside the building.
K9 Toby
Officers had information the male was armed with at least one knife and told officers he was not going to come out. K9 Blue was wearing his bullet and stab resistant vest and was deployed into the apartment where he located and apprehended the suspect. The use of K9 Blue enabled officers to safely bring the male into custody. In July 2020, K9 Uno and Officer Brad Cernick were called to assist officers on a traffic stop. K9 Uno alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle and the vehicle was searched. Illegal narcotics and paraphernalia including 11 grams of heroin, 108 grams of meth, 5 grams of marijuana, 18 pieces of paraphernalia, 7 LSD tablets, 28 Xanax pills, and $5,671 were located during the vehicle search. In August 2020, K9s Falco, Uno, Toby and Blue competed in a friendly competition called the "Iron Dog Challenge" at the end of a certification training event in Bismarck, ND. K9 Blue and Sgt. Sam Bollman took first place, and K9 Falco and Officer Dave Cochran took third place. In November 2020, K9 Kilo and Detective Witte were awarded the 3rd Quarter "Case of the Quarter" award through the United States Police Canine Association Region 12. This case consisted of canine deployments involving two apartments, a hotel room, and a safe. The case resulted in the seizure of a large amount of heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cash.
K9 Kilo
K9 Falco
K9 Blue
K9 Uno
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM In 2020, the Department created the Community Engagement Team (CET) merging three Community Trust Officers (CTOs), Cultural Liaison Officer (CLO), Park Officer, and School Resource Officers (SROs) into one group to improve an already amazing program. The CET engaged in collaborative programming activities at the beginning of the year, but due to the world-wide pandemic, the team was unable to host their annual Fargo United events, Community Picnic, Summer Camp or Outdoors Program. The team rallied together, creating new programming to meet the needs of families in order to overcome gaps in services in our community due to the pandemic. The CET Summer Mentoring Program was created, in partnership with school social workers and YouthWorks. Participants were able to interact with a School Resource Officer throughout the summer in various activities from simple conversation, to playing catch, grabbing lunch, to going on fishing trips. This programming provided opportunities for SROs to create meaningful relationships with youth from their schools, while providing the kids with skills and a belief in themselves that they can achieve anything they put their minds to. The CET continued the Swimming Lessons Outreach Program for New American youth, sponsored by Sammons Financial. In 2020, 29 kids participated in life saving swimming lessons. The CET provided programming using a Racial and Ethnic Disparities Grant aimed to curb racial and ethnic imbalances in the criminal justice system. The team accomplished this through two methods: by putting on department-sponsored programming and Fargo Police Juvenile Diversion Program. Department-sponsored programming provides activities for at-risk, minority youth aiming to increase their social emotional wellness, while at the same time providing the department an opportunity to build relationships with the youth with the hope of increasing their trust of their police department. Officers have found that once kids create relationships with police officers and learn that officers are people just like them, any stereotypical thoughts held by youth subside. This allows meaningful relationships to develop, which establishes trust. Following the civil unrest in 2020, the CET engaged in many social justice related conversations in our community with various community groups, which led to meaningful interactions. These created a better working relationship, understanding, and awareness to community concerns. The team also represented the department at the Native American Commission and Human Relations Commission meetings. The department continues to work closely with these groups through conversations and meetings in order to build trusting relationships.
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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
The Criminal Investigations Division includes the Criminal Investigations Unit, Narcotics, Metro Street Crimes Unit, Intelligence and Analysis Unit, and the Evidence and Property Unit.
Criminal Investigations Unit The Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) is comprised of 17 detectives, three sergeants, a lieutenant, and a division captain. Detectives are assigned to one of three teams: Crimes Against Children, Property Crimes, and Adult Violent Crimes. In addition, one detective is assigned to register and track sexual offenders in the city, and another detective focuses on human trafficking. CIU detectives have specialized training in many areas, including interview and interrogation, crime scene mapping, blood splatter recognition, arson investigation, digital forensics, and shooting reconstruction.
Over the course of 2020, the three CIU teams investigated over 1,600 criminal cases, which was one of the highest caseloads in recent years. The department registered 97 sexual offenders that were new to the city and monitored approximately 350 offenders in all. Besides the higher number of cases, CIU dealt with other challenges during the year. After the May 30 riot, two detectives were placed on temporary assignment to investigate crimes related to the incident. These detectives spent several weeks looking through video and compiling evidence to prepare criminal cases for prosecution. The detectives worked in close collaboration with the Cass County State's Attorney's Office, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Eighteen cases were sent for prosecutor review, and most of those cases are still pending trial as of this report.
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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION Adult Violent Crimes Team The Adult Violent Crimes team investigated over 200 cases in 2020 ranging from assaults to robberies to homicides. The detectives on this team are some of the department's most experienced investigators, and the cases they work can be very complex and time-consuming. These cases are also some of the more highprofile incidents in our community. Detectives investigated seven homicides and three fatal crashes in 2020. In May, Anquine White was shot and killed in the Northport shopping center parking lot. Three individuals were arrested. Darrell Lamont Simmons and Reeng Ayong pled guilty. Lee Fry, Jr. is still awaiting trial. In May, Keanen Poitra was stabbed to death in a south Fargo apartment. Terin Stately was arrested for the death. The case is awaiting trial. In July, Nathaniel Wilson intentionally collided with a vehicle driven by Thomas Edmunds on 7 Avenue North. Both were killed in the crash. In August, Cameron Comacho was assaulted and killed in a south Fargo parking lot. Jonathan Hunt and Larry Evans were arrested for the crime. The case is awaiting trial. In August, Santino Marial was killed in a drive-by shooting. No arrests have been made to date, and the case is still under investigation. In August, Henry Kulor struck a motorcycle driven by Pierce Kvien, and struck a tree. Kvien and Wein Zelee, a passenger, were killed. Kulor was arrested for Vehicular Homicide and DUI. Kulor pled guilty in February 2021.
In September, Peter McKenney was struck and killed by a vehicle as he walked across the road. David Torgerson was identified as the driver and arrested for Vehicular Homicide. The case is awaiting trial. In November, 15-month-old Meka Ducheneaux was found unresponsive at a south Fargo residence. Meka died from her injuries, and Brandi Adeleke was arrested for Murder after an extensive investigation. The case is awaiting trial. In December, Kirsten Knaus was injured during a domestic violence incident. Cody Plumlee was originally arrested for Aggravated Assault, but later charged with Murder after Knaus died from complications related to her injury. The case is awaiting trial. In December, Joel Graf stabbed his roommate, Angela Juven, to death, started the house on fire and killed himself.
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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION Crimes Against Children & Human Trafficking Unit The Crimes Against Children (CAC) team saw an increase in cases in 2020, which continued an upward trend seen over the past five years. Detectives investigated over 300 cases in 2020 involving sexual and physical abuse of children, child pornography, human trafficking and runaway teens. Detectives ensure great care is taken to not further traumatize the victims of these crimes, and they work closely with Cass County Social Services, medical staff, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, Youthworks, and the Red River Child Advocacy Center to conduct investigations. In 2020, the CAC conducted two undercover operations related to human trafficking. One operation in June focused on outreach with the intent to identify victims of human trafficking and provide them with an opportunity to visit with victim service providers. Many times, victims of human trafficking are caught up in a complex situation and don't always know how to break away, or they may be unwilling to do so for a variety of reasons. Our outreach operations are intended to give victims a chance to escape or to at least discuss their options. During this operation, five women agreed to visit with service providers. The second operation in July focused on catching online predators seeking to arrange sexual encounters with children. Detectives worked with several other agencies during the six-hour operation. Detectives received 60 responses to ads that were posted online, and three arrests were made. Charges against one of the arrestees were eventually dropped. The other two cases are still awaiting trial.
Property Crimes Team The Property Crimes team had the highest workload of the three CID teams in 2020. The Property team investigated over 800 cases involving crimes such as theft, stolen vehicles, fraud, and criminal mischief. Detectives spent time identifying and locating suspects, conducting interviews, and recovering property. They worked closely with patrol officers as well as detectives from other agencies. Many of these cases took considerable effort to solve because they required the gathering of evidence from multiple incidents to identify a suspect or to build an adequate criminal case. The Property Crimes team worked several large cases involving individuals who committed multiple thefts or break-ins. One individual was a suspect in nearly 30 cases in 2020 alone. Another suspect was involved in over a dozen incidents during the year. The team also saw several incidents involving a group of people where they would travel across the country and commit multiple vehicle breakins before moving on to another community.
Evidence and Property Unit The Evidence and Property Unit is managed by the Evidence and Property manager and one assistant. They took in 10,785 pieces of property and evidence in 2020, which was a 10.8% increase from 2019; they also disposed of 6,622 items. -24-
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION Narcotics Unit The Narcotics Unit is a specialized unit within the CID. The team is comprised of six detectives, K9 Kilo, a sergeant, and a lieutenant who also oversees the Metro Street Crimes Unit and Intelligence Unit. One detective is assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force in Fargo to investigate federal level drug crimes. The Narcotics Unit works in conjunction with many local agencies in an effort to accomplish their mission of combating illegal narcotic trafficking in the community. The primary focus is on heroin and methamphetamine trafficking interruption, as those have been proven to be some of the most dangerous and prevalent drugs in our community. The unit works closely with the Minnesota Lakes to River Task Force, DEA, ATF, United States Postal Service, Parole and Probation and Cass County Social Services. The unit also works closely with the Cass County Drug Task Force which operates out of our building. The Task Force consists of detectives from the ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation, West Fargo Police Department, and the Cass County Sheriff's Office. By being in the same building, the Task Force and FPD Narcotics Unit are
able to work together on joint investigations for crimes that occur in both Fargo, and Cass County. The Narcotics Unit provides education on current drug trends, drug identification and effects, and the drug paraphernalia that is associated with the most common types of drugs we see in our community. The majority of the education provided is for rental property owners and managers, but also provided to local medical facilities, businesses, and educational institutions when requested. The Narcotics Unit served 104 search warrants, and initiated an additional 165 City/State level cases; furthered 158 investigations initiated by the Neighborhood Services and Investigations Divisions; investigated 31 child neglect cases where the use of illegal narcotics were suspected; and seized the following: 110 lbs of marijuana, 9.4 lbs of marijuana wax, 795 marijuana vape cartridges 4.5 lbs of methamphetamine 12.3 ounces of heroin 191 fentanyl pills 2.6 ounces of mushrooms 7.3 grams of cocaine 267 hits of LSD 657 various prescription controlled pills $298,238.00 14 firearms 3 vehicles
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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
Metro Street Crimes Unit The Metro Area Street Crimes Unit (MASCU) is composed of two officers and one sergeant from the Fargo Police Department along with officers from the Cass and Clay County Sheriff’s Offices, Moorhead Police Department, and West Fargo Police Department. The primary purpose of the MASCU is to address gang-related crimes, apprehend fugitives and assist local agencies with apprehensions and investigations related to serious or recurring criminal incidents. In the spring of 2019 continuing into 2020, detectives from the MASCU, Moorhead Police Department, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) initiated an investigation into a group of individuals living in the FM area who were affiliated with the Bloods, Crips and other criminal street gangs. The investigation revealed that many of these individuals had significant criminal histories and were involved in an enormous amount of criminal activity that included shootings, robberies, and drug and firearms trafficking in the FM area. During the investigation, the MASCU conducted several controlled buys of marijuana, heroin, and three firearms, two of which were found to have been stolen. This criminal group was responsible for three armed robberies, a felony domestic with a firearm, witness tampering, and five shootings (one resulting in injuries). In total, six individuals were federally indicted and one was charged in state court. The sentences ranged from one to twelve years in prison.
SEIZED ITEMS 136.4 grams of methamphetamine 3.4 grams of heroin 3,266 pills/LSD 11.54 pounds of marijuana 47 pieces of drug paraphernalia $33,877 in cash 10 firearms/dangerous weapons 2.09 pounds of THC
SEARCH WARRANTS 132 body-only, phone, GPS tracking, residential, and DNA search warrants served.
GANG MEMBER CLASSIFICATION 17 non-confirmed 19 confirmed
ARRESTS 39 confirmed gang members or known associates 164 non-gang members 30 assisted arrests
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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION 2020 CRIME DATA
In 2020, the department began submitting criminal data to the FBI based on National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). NIBRS improves the overall quality of crime data as it captures details on each single crime incident, as well as on separate offenses within the same incident, including information on victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and property involved in crimes. In prior years, the department submitted data to the FBI based on Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR). Unlike data reported through the UCR Program’s traditional Summary Reporting System (SRS)—an aggregate monthly tally of crimes—NIBRS goes much deeper because of its ability to provide circumstances and context for crimes like location, time of day, and whether the incident was cleared. NIBRS data are based on five basic units of count: incidents; offenses; victims; known offenders; and arrestees. The below data are select offenses* from Group A NIBRS Offenses reported. 2019 Reported 2019 Cleared 2020 Reported 2020 Cleared
2020 CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS* 8
6
500
7 5
6
5
400
100
409
387
92
25
88
15
194
200
186
0
Murder
50 10 25
100
0
20
20
75
300 4
2
22
8
0
Aggravated Assault
7
5
0
Rape (GSI)
4
5
Sodomy
2020 CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY* 30
26
1,250
26
1,000 20
80
1,013
63
796
750
9
8
Arson
0
112 Burglary
148
0
200 100
Robbery
416
300
24 20
495
400
34
500 250
0
500
60
40 10
79
0
73
87
Motor Vehicle Theft
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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION 2020 CRIME DATA | 5 YEAR ANALYSIS OF CRIME CATEGORIES The Fargo Police Department submits single and multiple-offense incidents to NIBRS through monthly electronic records. To maintain uniformity in reporting, the department counts various elements of an incident. Like the prior UCR, NIBRS includes the categories of Crimes Against Persons and Crimes Against Property. NIBRS also collects the additional category of Crimes Against Society, which are those offenses that represent society's prohibitions against certain activities such as gambling or prostitution.
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2,161
The department saw a 10% increase from 2019 to 2020 in crimes against persons. This increase was largely driven by the increase in simple assaults reported.
2,303
Persons
2,597 2,652 2,908
The department saw a 12% increase from 2019 to 2020 in crimes against property. This increase was largely driven by the increase in burglaries reported.
5,480 5,778
Property
5,853 5,932 6,619
1,701 1,928
Society
1,976 2,357 2,156
0
2,500
5,000
7,500
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PERSONNEL
RETIREMENTS David Todd, Chief of Police, retired on July 31, 2020 after 33 years of service. Cheryl Larson, Police Support Specialist, retired on February 21, 2020 after 33 years of service. Ross Renner, Deputy Chief, retired on April 30, 2021
NEW HIRES The department hired 13 officers and 1 civilian staff in 2020.
IN MEMORY On December, 21 2020, Joan Schaefer, Police Support Specialist, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Joan was a proud member of the department for 14 1/2 years.
PERSONNEL DEMOGRAPHICS civilian 11.4%
Female 21.9%
23 44
158
179
sworn 88.6%
Hispanic/Latino Black Asian American American Indian White
1 2 2 2 195
1% 1% 1% 1% 96%
Male 78.1%
35
8
46
19
average age of sworn officers
average years of service of sworn officers
average age of supervisors
average years of service of supervisors -29-
AWARDS In 2020, the department issued 14 Life Saving Awards, 4 Combat Cross Awards, 4 Chief's Medal Awards, 2 PTO Service Awards, 2 Citizen Citations for Distinguished Service and recognized a Supervisor of the Year, Police Officer of the Year, and Civilian Employee of the Year. In 2020, Luther Family Ford and AM 1100 the Flag Salute to Law Enforcement recognized two members of the department. Crime Analyst Lauren Cammack was recognized in May, and Officer Tyrell Fauske was recognized in October.
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FINANCIAL SUMMARY In 2020, the department was awarded several Grants to include $66,000 from the North Dakota Department of Transportation. $7,000 for impaired driving marketing $10,000 for distracted driving enforcement $10,000 for speed enforcement $10,000 for underage drinking enforcement $14,000 for occupant protection enforcement $22,000 for impaired driving enforcement The department spent $7,792 of the $32,000 Reducing Ethnic Disparities in the Criminal Justice System Grant which was awarded in 2019 to fund youth programming for at-risk minority youth.
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Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic In March 2020, the department implemented safety protocols in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Training Unit fitted and trained all officers and appropriate personnel for N95 masks which were to be worn when responding to calls for service and interacting with members of the public. A continuity of operations plan was implemented, an Exposure Control Officer was assigned, and services such as police department tours and ride alongs were temporarily suspended. The department took a proactive role in assuring the safety of staff members, and those we serve in the community by implementing daily disinfecting common areas, squad cars, equipment and uniforms. Several department units adjusted operations to reduce the amount of personnel in our building by alternating remote with in-person office work. Early on, several officers recorded "A Bedtime Story with a Cop" videos which were uploaded and shared to the department's social media platforms with the idea to provide comfort to youth and community members as they navigated through uncertain times. These were followed up in December 2020 with "A Holiday Story with Fargo Police." As the pandemic moved forward into the warmer months, the department made the difficult but necessary decision to forego hosting and attending community events such as the Fargo Police Community Picnic and Fargo United. The Community Engagement Team (CET) adapted their youth programming by adjusting program sizes and locations. The officers also created new programming to meet the needs of families to overcome the gaps in services that resulted from the pandemic. The CET worked in collaboration with school social workers and Youthworks to identify families in need. Through the summer mentoring program, children were able to interact with a School Resource Officer (SRO) where they held conversations, played sports, grabbed lunch, and went on the occasional fishing trip. SROs adapted to hybrid learning schedules by providing additional outreach efforts to their students and families by helping them get in touch with services they were in need of. The Community Trust Officers (CTOs) were able to continue their youth programming which included swimming lessons for New Americans, as well as self defense and boxing classes by keeping class sizes small and by wearing masks.
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FARGO POLICE DEPARTMENT 105 25 St. N., Fargo, N.D.