Fargo Police

A safe and unified community built on trust, accountability and inclusion. This page is not monitored 24/7. Please call 701.451.7660 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

The Red River Valley SWAT Team will be conducting training exercises on Thursday, June 4, at the following locations from 4-8:30 p.m.

• The 50 block of 4th Street North
• The 400 block of 3rd Avenue North

SWAT Team members may be seen carrying firearms and moving around the exterior of a building; however, no live rounds will be used during the training exercise.

The public can expect to hear loud noises and yelling in the area. Additionally, there will be several SWAT vehicles in the area with activated emergency lights. There is no safety concern for the public or surrounding area.

If residents have concerns, please contact the Red River Regional Dispatch Center by calling 701.451.7660 and ask to speak with one of the training facilitators at the training site.

This is a closed training exercise and is not open to members of the media or the general public.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

Join us in congratulating #FargoPD Officer Adam Schock and his K‑9 partner, Axel, on graduating and earning their certification in narcotics detection and patrol work! The pair completed 12 weeks of intensive training with Code Blue K-9 in Rushford, Minnesota.

The road to certification is physically demanding, mentally challenging and requires countless hours of training, trust and teamwork. It's during this process that the bond between handler and K-9 is built and lifelong connections are formed with fellow handlers and trainers from across the region. A special thank you to the trainers at Code Blue K-9 for their expertise, guidance and commitment throughout the training process.

Born in Slovakia on October 16, K-9 Axel is trained to detect heroin, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl and ecstasy. He is also certified in patrol functions including tracking, area searches, building searches and criminal apprehension.

While Axel's favorite part of the job is bite work, he's also a big fan of pets, attention and spending time with his family.

With certification now complete, Officer Schock and K-9 Axel are ready to hit the streets of Fargo and begin serving our community together.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

Leadership transitions are an important part of keeping a team strong, and the Red River Valley SWAT Team is in good hands.

Please join us in thanking outgoing Commander Lt. Tom Shaw for his leadership, dedication and service to the team.

We're also proud to introduce Lt. Nate Nieman of the #FargoPD and Sgt. Jesse Castle of the Cass County Sheriff's Office as the new Commander and Assistant Commander of the Red River Valley SWAT Team. Since stepping into their roles earlier this year, they have continued the team's commitment to excellence, training and operational readiness.

The Red River Valley SWAT Team is a regional partnership made up of members from the Fargo Police Department, West Fargo Police Department, Moorhead Police Department, Cass County Sheriff's Office - Fargo, ND, Clay County Sheriff's Office, North Dakota State University Police, Sanford Ambulance and Sanford AirMed. Together, they stand ready to respond to high-risk incidents across our communities.

Congratulations to Lt. Nieman and Sgt. Castle on their new leadership roles. Our region is in good hands under their guidance.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

Yesterday, the #FargoPD was proud to help support the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon alongside our community partners.

From officers on Trikkes and traffic control posts throughout the course to real-time monitoring behind the scenes and even helping a few runners across the finish line, our team was honored to play a role in keeping this event safe and successful.

Congratulations to all the runners who took on the challenge, and thank you to the event organizers, volunteers, medical personnel, partner agencies and spectators who helped make another Fargo Marathon weekend a success.

We also appreciate everyone's patience with road closures and traffic impacts as we worked together to ensure a safe experience for all.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

On Friday, May 29, at approximately 2:24 a.m., #FargoPD officers were conducting an investigation into a suspicious text message that a victim received from someone they knew referencing their address in the 4300 block of Estate Dr. S. and a threat with a firearm. During the investigation, officers identified the suspect as 19-year-old, Fargo resident, Henok Francis.

While on the phone with a male witness, the witness mentioned seeing Francis on the 4300 block of Estate Dr. S. A few seconds later, a loud bang could be heard over the phone by the officer. The witness confirmed the bang was a gunshot and that Francis had fired upon him but was not struck and was not injured.

At this time, more FPD officers quickly responded to the area and set up a perimeter in search of Francis. During this time, officers learned information that led them to believe Francis may be headed to a nearby residence in the 4500 block of Bluestem Ct. Due to the circumstances of what had just occurred, the Red River Valley SWAT Team and Red River Regional Drone Team were activated to assist in the search.

Red River Valley SWAT arrived on scene at 5:31 a.m. and later determined Francis was not inside the residence. At 7:26 a.m., the drone team located Francis in the 4000 block of 51st Way S.

At 7:28 a.m., Francis was taken into custody by Red River Valley SWAT without incident, arrested and transported to the Cass County Jail for Terrorizing and Felony Reckless Endangerment with a Firearm.

The Fargo Police Department commends the response of its officers, the Red River Valley SWAT Team and the Red River Regional Drone Team in ensuring the safety of the public and resolving this situation quickly, and without incident. The FPD is committed to safeguarding our community by demonstrating our core values of Professionalism and Guardianship.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

Today is National Heat Awareness Day ☀️, and with the recent warm weather and temperatures expected to be in the upper 80s and 90s today and throughout the weekend, we wanted to show just how dangerous heat can become inside a vehicle.

We placed a digital thermometer inside a white vehicle for two hours yesterday while the outside temperature was in the 90s. The interior temperature of the car started at 71° and reached a maximum of 138°. When this photo was taken, it was still 134° inside the vehicle.

Even though it was a lighter-colored vehicle, it still become dangerously hot in a short amount of time.

🚗 Take a second look in the back seat before locking your vehicle.
🔑 Never leave children, pets or vulnerable individuals inside a parked car, even for “just a minute”.
💧 Keep water in your vehicle and stay hydrated while traveling or spending time outdoors.
🐾 Bring pets with you when you leave the vehicle. Cracked windows do not keep cars safe.
🌡️ Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than many people realize, even with lighter-colored vehicles.

Stay safe and stay cool, Fargo. ☀️💧

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

In preparation for the upcoming Essentia Health Fargo Marathon events this weekend, several road and lane closures will be implemented in the area to accommodate the race routes. A list of all road closure information, including closure and re-opening times beginning as early as 3 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, can be found in this post.

Most impacted roads and lanes of traffic are estimated to be re-opened by 2:05 p.m., with many re-opening earlier after all runners have passed through the impacted area (see road closure list in the post for all estimated times). The area of the start and finish line at Albrecht Ave. between 15th Ave. N. and 17th Ave. N. and 17th Ave. N. from 18th St. N. to University Dr. are estimated to be re-opened by 5 p.m.

Residents and visitors are advised to plan alternative routes and expect delays in the vicinity of the marathon and other ongoing events. Residents and visitors are also asked to plan for extra travel time and watch for runners, volunteers and public safety personnel along the course to ensure everyone’s safety.

Parking areas may also be disrupted along the event routes. Law enforcement personnel will assist Fargo Marathon staff with traffic control to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

Fargo Hector International Airport will be accessible from Interstate 29 (I-29) on Saturday, May 30; downtown traffic should use Main Avenue to I-29 to travel to the airport.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

Last night, May 26, the #FargoPD performed a field promotion to swear in newly appointed Lieutenant Jesseca White.

Lieutenant White will serve as a Night Shift Commander in the Neighborhood Services Division. She has been with the department since October 2008, most recently serving as a sergeant in the Professional Accountability Unit within the Professional Standards Division.

Throughout her career, Lieutenant White has demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism and a commitment to both the department and the community she serves. As she steps into this new role, she will help lead and mentors officers on patrol and support critical overnight operations across the city.

Congratulations, Lieutenant White, on achieving this well-earned milestone in your law enforcement career.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

The #FargoPD lobby at FPD Headquarters is closing at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, May 27. Regular lobby hours will resume on Thursday, May 28.

This early closure allows time for the FPD Records Unit to host a monthly all-staff meeting and training to discuss current projects and processes within the unit and to promote continuous professional growth for our staff.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

Today, #FargoPD Academy Class IX officially graduated and took their oath to serve the Fargo community as the newest officers of The Fargo Police Department.

Since the first day of the academy in January, these recruits have been challenged mentally, physically and emotionally through countless hours of classroom instruction, hands-on training and real-world scenarios designed to prepare them for the realities of the job. Along the way, they built trust in one another and learned the meaning of service above self.

While graduation marks the end of the academy, it also marks the beginning of their careers. These seven new officers now move into the Police Training Officer (PTO) program, where they’ll continue learning alongside experienced Fargo officers in the field over the next 16 weeks.

This video gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of Fargo Police Academy Class IX and the dedication it takes to answer the call to serve.

Congratulations, officers, and welcome to #TeamFargo.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

Earlier this morning, Chief Travis Stefonowicz was officially sworn in as the 39th Chief of Police of the #FargoPD.

During today’s ceremony, a video played featuring voices from across our community sharing what kind of leader and person Chief Stefonowicz is and what Fargo is gaining in its next Chief of Police. Told through the words of his peers and his family, it painted a clear picture of Chief Stefonowicz's character, leadership and service.

Fargo Police Department captains Matt Christensen, Troy Hannig and Travis Moser, along with our metro partners including @CassNDSheriff Jesse Jahner, Chief Pete Nielsen of the @WestFargoPolice and Chief Chris Helmick of the Moorhead Police Department, spoke to his steady leadership, commitment to collaboration, trust and relationships he's built across agencies and within the FPD. His wife Emily also shared heartfelt reflections that highlighted Cheif Stefonowicz's humility, balance and strong family foundation that shape who he is beyond the badge.

Together, all their words spoke to a leader defined not by titles, but by integrity, consistency and a genuine commitment to people.

Chief Stefonowicz began his career with The Fargo Police Department after graduating from the academy and has worked his way through the ranks serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and now Chief of Police. We are proud of his journey, proud of his leadership and proud to have him as our next Chief of Police in Fargo.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

Today was a historic day for the #FargoPD as we gathered for our Academy Graduation, Swear-In and Promotion Ceremony.

Seven recruits from the FPD Academy Class IX officially graduated this morning after completing 18 weeks of rigorous classroom instruction, hands-on skills training and high-pressure scenario-based exercises to earn their ND POST certification. In front of family, friends, fellow officers and community members, they took their oath to serve as guardians for the Fargo community as the newest members of The Fargo Police Department.

Their journey is only beginning. These new officers will now enter the Police Training Officer (PTO) program, where they’ll spend the next 16 weeks working side-by-side with experienced Fargo officers to continue developing the skills, confidence and decision-making needed for the job.

Today’s ceremony also marked a defining moment in our department history as Travis Stefonowicz was officially sworn in as The Fargo Police Department’s 39th Chief of Police.

From new officers beginning their careers to a leader stepping into a new role, today represented the future of The Fargo Police Department and the continued commitment to serving our community with professionalism, respect and accountability.

Congratulations to Academy Class IX and Chief Stefonowicz on this incredible milestone in your careers.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

This #MemorialDay, we pause to honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. As we gather with family and friends, we also remember the tremendous sacrifice made to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. The #FargoPD stands alongside all those carrying the memory of a fallen hero.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

The #FargoPD lobby will be closed tomorrow, Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

Regular lobby hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

🏃‍♀️🏃 It’s that time of year again…Fargo Marathon weekend is almost here.

As thousands of runners and spectators make their way through Fargo next weekend, motorists and residents of Fargo should plan ahead for increased traffic and temporary road closures throughout the community.

📍 Friday, May 29:
• 5K (6 p.m. start)

📍 Saturday, May 30:
• 10K (7:40 a.m. start)
• Half Marathon (7:15 a.m. start)
• Full Marathon (7 a.m. start)

🚧 Route maps and road closure information, including closure and re-opening times beginning as early as 3 a.m. next Saturday, May 30, are included in this post.

Please give yourself extra travel time, use alternate routes and watch for runners, volunteers and public safety personnel along the course.

Good luck to all participants and thank you for your patience as we help support another exciting Fargo Marathon next weekend.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

Memorial Day weekend traffic safety reminders, but make it Millennial vs Gen Z 🚗

However you’d write it, we’re all saying the same thing: buckle up, stay focused, drive sober and slow down.

In partnership with @VisionZeroND, drive smart this weekend. Lets get everyone to their destinations safely this Memorial Day weekend.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

Just after midnight on Friday, May 1, FPD officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle with the owner’s dog, Shadow, still inside.

Officers were able to quickly locate the vehicle on the roadway and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled the stop before later abandoning the vehicle with the dog still inside. FPD night shift continued the search throughout the area and ultimately located the vehicle and Shadow later that night after an extensive search effort.

While no arrests have been made in connection to this incident, the officers were able to recover the stolen vehicle and safely reunite Shadow with his owner. This story is another example the hard work that often goes unseen that our officers are doing every day help bring a positive outcome for the Fargo community.

[Fargo Police @FargoPolice]

This National EMS Week, we proudly recognize the EMS professionals who serve our community with compassion, skill and unwavering dedication.

This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” reflects the vital partnership between EMS, law enforcement, fire personnel, hospital staff and the communities we serve. We can’t do what we do without them.

Every day, EMS professionals respond in moments of uncertainty and crisis, providing lifesaving care, comfort and hope when it matters most. Their work changes lives, supports families and makes a lasting impact on our community. Thank you for your service, sacrifice and commitment to improving outcomes together. 💙🚑