FARGO POLICE DEPARTMENT 2018
TROPER LAUNNA
We provide services that are driven by genuine care for our community, each other and the laws we are trusted to uphold
SAFETY
COURTESY
EMPATHY
TRUST
contents 2018 Annual Report
03
FROM THE CHIEF
04
CRIME STATISTICS The department compiles crime statistics in accordance to the requirements of the Uniform Crime Reports of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
06
24
Patrol, Downtown Resource Officers, K9, Community Engagement Team, Park Officer, School Resource Officers , and SWAT.
Criminal Investigations Unit, Narcotics Unit, Intelligence Unit, and the Metro Street Crimes Unit.
32
37
FIELD SERVICES DIVISION
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION Records Unit, Property Unit, Training Division, Recruiting Division, Public Relations, Finance, and Awards.
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES DIVISION
FUN FACTS
FROM THE CHIEF
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 3
Welcome to our 2018 Annual Report and thank you for your interest in the Fargo Police Department. We have a lot of exciting growth happening at the Fargo Police Department along with some significant projects we are in the midst of accomplishing. We are in the second phase of renovating an acquired building for a new police headquarters, which is the Border States Electric building at 105 25th St. N. We have moved our Field Services Division, which comprises approximately 130 full-time employees into half of the building and they are operational out of that location. We received the approval and funding for phase 2 of the fit-up for the rest of the building and anticipate moving the Investigations Division and the Administrative Division into the new location this year. We had a 3% total increase in crime in 2018, most of it related to burglaries and theft. A significant amount of this activity appears to be addiction driven. People are breaking into homes, garages and businesses, stealing to gain money for methamphetamine and opioid drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. We continue to focus on this activity through Intelligence Led Policing strategies and by working closely with our neighboring law enforcement agencies. Another concern is an increase in person on person crimes such as homicide, sexual assault and aggravated assault. These crimes are often emotionally driven and are more difficult to predict and prevent. The Fargo Police Department does diligently track people required to register as offenders and also uses Intelligence Led Policing strategies to identify possible suspects of violent crime. Currently the Fargo Police Department is authorized to staff 181 sworn officer positions and approximately 24 non sworn staff. As the community has grown, so have the challenges associated with protecting and serving our community. We have grown rapidly as a department in the last four years in order to catch up with the growth of the community. We appreciate the support of that growth by our commission and our community. I am incredibly proud of the men and women at the Fargo Police Department and I know what an honor it is to be the chief of their organization. I hope you enjoy our 2018 Annual Report.
Chief David E. Todd
CRIME STATISTICS
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 4
The statistics below meet the requirements of the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI compiles and publishes crime data for the nation regularly. The UCR are divided into Part I and Part II offenses. Part I offenses are considered more serious and include violent crimes. Other less serious offenses are classified as Part II offenses. Fargo's crime rate is approximately 35 Part I crimes per 1,000 people, based on the U.S. Census Bureau 2018 population estimate of Fargo of 122,359.
Offense
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Change % Change
Homicide
4
3
3
2
6
4
200%
Gross Sexual Imposition
66
59
79
99
118
19
19%
Robbery
72
53
69
69
63
-6
-9%
Aggravated Assault
204
240
257
261
300
39
15%
Arson
12
19
11
6
6
0
0%
Burglary
494
601
564
575
687
112
19%
Vehicle Theft
161
207
237
209
208
-1
0%
Shoplifting
801
958
969
791
795
4
1%
Theft from Vehicle
307
395
427
365
390
25
7%
All Other Thefts
1,118
1,193
1,676
1,870
1,796
-74
-4%
Total Part I Offenses
3,239
3,278
4,255
4,248
4,370
122
3%
Total Part II Offenses
5,416
6,278
6,059
7,163
7,405
242
3%
Total Offenses
8,655
10,006
10,314
11,411
11,775
364
3%
4,370
7,405
11,775
PART I OFFENSES
PART II OFFENSES
TOTAL OFFENSES
3 % more than 2017
3 % more than 2017
3 % more than 2017
Office of Professional Standards Lieutenant Jared Crane + Sergeant Shane Aberle
82 INCIDENT REVIEWS
The Office of Professional Standards conducted 82 incident reviews involving 98 officers for response to resistance, officer involved crashes, motor vehicle pursuits and tire deflation device deployment. Officers used force to overcome resistance in 44 incidents, and 43 of these incidents were determined to have been within policy. Thirty officer involved crashes were reviewed. Of these crashes, 18 were determined to have been preventable resulting in four personnel complaints, and 12 were determined to be non-
20 PERSONNEL COMPLAINTS preventable.
The Office of Professional Standards
investigated 20 personnel complaints in 2018 involving 19 different officers. Sixteen were sustained, two not sustained, one was found to be a policy failure, and one resulted in
19 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS mediation.
Nineteen complaints were sustained resulting in one verbal consultation, nine letter of consultations, five letter of reprimands, two educational based discipline, one suspension, and one resignation.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 5
FIELD SERVICES
Deputy Chief Ross Renner
89,565
6,592
13,366
Patrol officers responded to
Fargo Police Officers made
Fargo Police Officers issued
89, 565 calls for service in
6,592 arrests in 2018, a 7%
12,366 traffic citations in 2018,
2018, a 0% increase from 2017.
decrease from 2017.
a 10% decrease from 2017.
PATROLLING FARGO The City of Fargo is geographically patrolled with officers in four districts which are broken down into 12 beats. Each district and beat have their own unique challenges, and the District Commanders are tasked with finding the most effective and efficient means to make their district a safe place to live, work and visit. The department has a number of specialty positions which fall under the Field Services Division to include the K9 Unit, Community Trust Officers, Cultural Liaison Officer, Downtown Resource Officers, School Resource Officers, Park Officer, and the Truck Regulatory Officer.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 6
DISTRICT 2 Lt. Travis Stefonowicz District 2, also known as the Central District, responded to 22, 137 calls for service in 2018. The district saw some success in catching criminals committing property crimes. Unfortunately, they did not stay away from our community very long and proved to be quite the challenge for District 2.
DISTRICT 1
District 2 had a small geographical
Lt. Chris Helmick
and recovered on a regular basis.
area where vehicles were stolen A beat officer was able to put
District 1 is also known as the "Downtown District" and is the busiest
together a method of operation,
district in the City. District 1 patrol officers responded to 23, 346 calls
and determine our suspects in
for service in 2018.
these crimes. Officers dedicated time and resources to get them off
In 2018, officers increased patrols in "hot spot" areas, frequently
the streets, which curbed
checked on suspicious activity, educated the public on crime trends,
additional thefts.
and targeted specific individuals and locations that drove crime. As a result of their efforts, the district was able to achieve a decrease in major crimes for the third year in a row. Supervisors made adjustments to officers schedules to get them out at peak times of the day in the downtown area, especially along Broadway. They were able to use grant money to put extra officers along Broadway during bar closing time on the weekends. District 1 continued to see issues related to underage drinking and loud parties in the campus area. This is a continuing concern for north-side neighborhoods. In response to these concerns and issues, extra officers were assigned to address the problem by writing tickets for loud parties, underage drinking, littering, and any other offenses. Officers also talked to renters to educate them about loud party laws and how to be better neighbors.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 7
The district saw a five percent reduction in crime, but it was no small feat. District 2 also includes the area around the NDSU campus, and received a number of complaints. Officers teamed up with the NDSU Police Department to work various details to combat the issues.
DISTRICT 4 Lt. Bill Ahlfeldt District 4, also known as the West District, is the largest district in the City. The district is comprised of new single family developments, a lot of apartment developments and shopping corridors. Officers responded to 20, 470 calls for service in 2018. District 4 experienced an increase in
DISTRICT 3 Lt. George Vinson District 3 , also known as the South District, officers responded to 19,437 calls for service in 2018, and saw decreases in criminal mischief and unlawful vehicle entry offenses. During the year, officers focused on several areas of concern. One of those concerns was the hotel district near 13 Ave. S. and Interstate 29. Officers took a two pronged approach to combat crime here. Officers spent more time in these areas to deter crime and collect information from people. Additionally, they used an education component by providing training to local hotel and motel managers on what drug activity, human trafficking and other suspicious activity looks like. Another area of focus for the District was 14 and 15 St. by KMart. This area has received high calls for service and area of crime in the past. Officers saw some success in reducing crime and calls for service by increased officer presence and working with property managers.
property crime, primarily concentrated in the southernmost portion of the City. The district was also impacted by coin thefts from coin operated laundry machines at apartment buildings. On the upside, the district saw a decrease in unlawful entry to motor vehicles. In response to apartment garage burglaries, district officers met with multiple property managers to "harden" easily defeated garage locks with wireless keypads. Officers conducted directed patrol in identified areas of the District, and made multiple arrests of wanted individuals and identified suspects. In July, officers arrested six individuals, which solved a number of garage burglaries committed throughout the summer. These arrests were the result of great teamwork between patrol and our Investigations Unit.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 8
DOWNTOWN RESOURCE OFFICERS Officer Jesseca White Officer Scott Normandin
The Fargo Police Department has two officers specifically assigned to provide enhanced police services to the downtown area. Their job is to help promote a revitalized, safe and clean downtown that will appeal to our citizens and visitors. 2018 marked a significant amount of growth and adaptation for Downtown Fargo. The Downtown Resource Officers (DROs) worked hard to keep the downtown area running smoothly through construction, detours, and road closures to ensure people wouldn't be deterred from visiting our vibrant downtown by collaborating with many entities during major downtown parades and events.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 9
Each year, one of the largest
practices, and to develop
entities in 2019. In August 2016,
events that draws people to
training specific to their
DRO White and several
downtown, is the Street Fair.
organization in reference to the
employees with the Gladys Ray
This year was the first year
diverse population that is found
Shelter started a program for
where alcohol was permitted to
in the downtown area. Both
chronically homeless
be served outside during the
DROs trained in crisis
individuals to work off their
intervention, attended the ND
fines accrued through municipal
Association of Psychiatry
court by completing community
conference to discuss barriers
service projects in the
in mental health treatment in
downtown area. By the end of
ND, and brainstormed ideas
2019, the participants in the
with service providers on ways
program have worked off
to improve the process.
almost $30,000 worth of fines.
event. The DROs worked closely with the Downtown Community Partnership as they moved forward with a pilot program to have public consumption of alcohol at certain events such as the Street Fair. This pilot program went very well, with close to zero issues, and was
Many of the participants were In an effort to better allocate
able to connect with resources
ordinance late in 2018.
services and connect those in
that helped them with housing
need with services, DRO White
or treatment for mental health
The DROs continued to foster
worked with the City IT
and/or chemical dependency
relationships with businesses
Department to start a GIS
issues.
and organizations to increase
tracking system to be utilized
communication and a better
by the park department,
working environment.
homeless outreach,
Throughout the year, the DROs
engineering, and the police
attended meetings with
department to report
different stakeholders within
encampments within the city of
the downtown community to
Fargo. DRO White is hoping to
made a permanent part of City
discuss concerns, best
expand the system to other
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 10
K9 UNIT
Lieutenant George Vinson Sergeant Collin Gnoinsky
FALCO
BLUE
UNO
Age: 7
Age: 4
Age: 2
Handler: Officer Cochran
Handler: Officer Bollman
Handler: Officer Cernik
Assignment: Night Shift
Assignment: Evening Shift
Assignment: Day Shift
2018 Deployments: 203
2018 Deployments: 261
2018 Deployments: 129
2018 was a very active year for the K9 Unit with a notable 716 deployments, 322 more than 2017! The high number of deployments is indicative of the role the unit has worked towards over the years. Officers and detectives use our canines for a variety of reasons, mostly narcotics detection sniffs. The unit also values public demonstrations, and loves to get out and meet people. The K9s like to disprove stereotypes that police dogs are aggressive animals not to be exposed to people. In fact, our K9s like human interaction just like most pets! 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 11
K9 FALCO Officer Dave Cochran K9 Falco has been with the department since 2012. In 2018, some notable cases for K9 Falco are: K9 Falco was deployed to sniff a vehicle for patrol and located 57.1 grams of meth inside the vehicle. K9 Falco won patrol case of the 2nd quarter through NPCA.
K9 UNO Officer Brad Cernik In 2018, Officer Cernik and K9 Uno were assigned to the day shift where they
K9 Falco located two suspects on a track after they committed burglary to a garage and fled from officers in a vehicle and on foot.
saw an increase in deployment requests from the day shift officers compared to prior canine teams. K9 Uno's first track was assisting West Fargo Police Department locate a suspect who had felony warrants and fled from them. The suspect was a known criminal who was committing crimes around the Fargo-Moorhead area.
K9 Falco assisted the Clay County Sheriff's Office after they entered into a pursuit with a vehicle that entered North Dakota, at which
K9 Uno took the track along the river bank for a short distance before finding
time the pursuit was terminated.
the suspect hiding in the thick riverside brush. The suspect gave up without an
The North Dakota Highway Patrol
apprehension.
later located the vehicle parked in a neighborhood. K9 Falco located
Another notable case for K9 Uno was when the Postal Inspectors requested a sniff on a package. Narcotic detectives were working a heroin case involving the package. Five packages, similar in size, were lined up in a semi-trailer along the side wall. K9 Uno alerted to a package which was opened under a federal search warrant, and 28 grams of black tar heroin was located inside.
the suspect hiding, and the keys to the vehicle, linking the suspect to the vehicle. K9 Falco located a suspect who was wanted for terrorizing and aggravated domestic assault who had fled officers on foot. K9 Falco located the suspect hiding in a vehicle. K9 Falco earned patrol case of the 2nd quarter through the NPCA.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 12
K9 KILO Narcotics Unit In 2018, the Fargo Police Department added a canine to the Narcotics Unit. K9 Kilo has been active since January 2018, and unfortunately, there has been no shortage of work for K9 Kilo. K9 Kilo was deployed 123 times in 2018. Some notable cases for K9 Kilo were: K9 Kilo alerted to an apartment on Dakota Drive, which led to a search
K9 BLUE
warrant and the seizure of 4 pounds of
Officer Sam Bollman
currency, and a 2015 Mercedes C320.
K9 Blue has been with the department since 2017. In 2018, some notable cases for K9 Blue were:
marijuana, 6.7 grams of cocaine, 10 Adderall pills, $12,410 seized US
K9 Kilo alerted to a vehicle traveling back from Utah which was suspected to
K9 Blue was deployed to assist the DEA with a transit sniff at Amtrak. K9 Blue
contain cocaine. A search led to the
alerted to a duffel bag that came from the west coast. A search warrant of the bag
discovery of one pound of cocaine
revealed 20 pounds of marijuana, 276 grams of wax, 154 grams of cocaine, 93 grams
concealed in the rear headrest/panel in
of mushrooms, and 52 doses of Oxycontin.
the backseat.
K9 Blue assisted a Postal Inspector with a sniff of a package. K9 Blue alerted to the
K9 Kilo assisted a Postal Inspector and
package which contained nearly one pound of cocaine. K9 Blue was deployed to locate items a shoplifter was seen throwing as she ran from police. K9 Blue found those items, which were stolen credit cards.
alerted to one of the packages. A search warrant led to the discovery of one pound of meth.
K9 Blue assisted patrol on a vehicle sniff and alerted to the vehicle. A search
K9 Kilo assisted the DEA with a sniff on
revealed a small amount of narcotics, stolen checks and identification cards, and
a vehicle involved with an arranged
other evidence connected to 11 vehicle break in cases. The responsible parties
meth deal/investigation. K9 Kilo alerted
were sentenced to 18 months in prison.
to the vehicle and the initial cursory search did not turn up any contraband. An interior sniff and expanded search led to the discovery of one pound of meth concealed inside the dash of the truck. K9 Kilo assisted a Postal Inspector in a package sniff and alerted to one package. A search warrant of the package led to the discovery of 4.86 pounds of meth.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 13
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM Lieutenant Bill Ahlfeldt + Sergeant Kevin Pallas Officers Niemeyer, Bloom, Carlson, and Kempf
"IT'S TIME" MUSIC VIDEO The team made their second music
During the production of the video,
recognize several parties who
video with DPB & Crew titled "It's
the community engagement team
have helped the group and
Time" and involved several
highlighted various business,
contributed to the video The video
members of the local Fargo
nonprofits, news stations and
was released on the department's
Moorhead community. The
healthcare facilities to show all
social media platforms including
purpose of the song was to
the great work people are doing in
YouTube and has had over
highlight the unseen heroes in our
our community.
200,000 views.
and Officer Bloom kept this in
The group held a video premier
Watch the video here.
mind when writing the lyrics.
event at a local church to
community. Recording artist DPB
FARGO UNITED The team hosted two park
The purpose of the events were to
The team partnered with several
outreach events called "Fargo
connect the local community with
local churches and organizations
United" at Madison Park and
law enforcement in a fun and
to provide free food, prize
Jefferson West Park. These two
casual setting. During the event,
giveaways, and entertainment.
parks were chosen because of the
officers were able to socialize
diverse population that live within
with event goers and play games
those two communities.
with youth. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 14
IT'S TIME SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES The team hosted a "It's Time"
speaker Chris Singleton who
"It's Time", and powerful dance
school assembly production in
delivered a powerful message of
and music interpretations. The
seven local middle and high
"love is stronger than hate." Chris'
team was able to reach over 7,000
schools. These assemblies
speech empowered students to
students between the seven
focused on combating bullying
love one another and accept each
schools.
and racism, and emphasized the
other for who they are.
power that love has over hate.
You can watch a recap of the The team collaborated with DPB &
The team brought in inspirational
school assemblies here.
Crew to perform their new song
"YOU HAVE A VOICE AND A CHOICE IN THIS PLACE IN THIS SCHOOL TO CHANGE LIVES"-OFFICER BLOOM
SUMMER CAMP In 2018, the department assumed
The Fargo Police Summer Camp
the administration and operation
was financially possible due to
of a portion of the C4 Summer
several local, generous donations.
Camp that had been operated in conjunction with Charism in 2017.
Officer Bloom and Carlson helped
The department's portion of the
out with Charism summer camp by
camp focused on elementary
participating in sporting activities,
youth from Ed Clapp and Jefferson
interacting and providing positive
Elementary, while Charism and
mentoring to the youth involved in
Officers Bloom and Carlson
the camp. Officer Bloom joined the
continued the C4 Camp which
summer camp on several field
focused on middle school aged
trips where youth learned about
youth. The students were able to
the workforce in Fargo, and what
partake in a lot of fun activities
different careers they can pursue
during the summer provided by
as they get older.
TNT Kid's Fitness, swimming, Elevate Rock School and the MSUM Science Center.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 15
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Community outreach is one of the
The team attended many weekly
their personal struggle with
team's core focus. Throughout the
meetings that involved troubled
addiction.
year, the four officers created
youth as a means of support and
huge impacts in our community
provide a resource to those youth.
In the fall, the team partnered
with their outreach and
During the spring, the team held a
with Creative Plains Foundation to
partnership with local
four week program where they
host an event with the Boys and
organizations.
provided fun and educational
Girls Club where youth created
activities for the youth. Each
their own design for the new team
The team partnered with the Cass
program started with a fun
challenge coin. Ten designs were
County Juvenile Drug Court to
activity and closed with a guest
submitted, with one winner to be
mentor youth struggling with
speaker who spoke about
chosen. The coins are meant to be
addiction.
used as a gift of appreciation to our community partners and an achievement award for youth who demonstrate significant personal growth. The team partnered with the Boys and Girls Club, MPX Fitness, and Barbot Boxing and Fitness to run a six week health and wellness program for youth. The focus was to encourage youth to take control over their destinies.
CULTURAL OUTREACH Officer Carlson joined the team in
Officer Carlson also worked with
April of 2018. His position was
several new American youth who were
created as a hybrid position between
having behavioral issues in school and
our Community Trust Officers and the
at home. He worked on building
Cultural Liaison Officer. Officer
positive relationships between them
Carlson worked specifically with New
and law enforcement, and helped
American youth, alongside the
facilitate resources for them.
Cultural Liaison Officer Vince Kempf to teach, educate, and build rapport
Officer Carlson also spent a lot of time
within the New American cultures in
with the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
our community.
and Luther Hall. His desire to foster positive law enforcement interactions
Officers Kempf and Carlson have
with at-risk-youth led him to plan a
embedded themselves in the New
soccer game between youth and
American community by giving
police officers. Many youth who
presentations on various topics such
participated were able to create
as traffic stops, domestic violence,
meaningful relationships with the
what to expect on calls for service,
police officers, many of whom had
crashes, and department
negative experiences with law
programming.
enforcement in the past.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 16
PARK OFFICER OFFICER JOSH MARVIG Lieutenant George Vinson Sergeant Kevin Pallas In 2018, the full-time Park Officer position was an addition to both the Fargo Police Department and the Fargo Park District in order to help make parks a place where kids and families feel safe to run free. Officer Marvig spent a majority of his time during the summer learning the Park District properties and their individual issues. Through his time in the parks, he noticed a considerable amount of people using them to fish the Red River. During the summer months, Officer Marvig attended several park events such as, Party In the Park, to engage with the community and spread knowledge of his new position. Officer Marvig responded to 758 calls for service that directly related to park district property.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 17
School Resource officers LIEUTENANT WILLIAM AHLFELDT The department has seven school resource officers, Officer Jason Abel at North High School, Officer Troy Nielsen at South High School, Officer Derek Johnson at Davies High School, Officer Kyle Ness at Woodrow Wilson, Officer Amy Kingzett at Discovery Middle School, Officer Dane Hjelden at Ben Franklin Middle School, Officer Ryan Dietrich at Carl Ben Eielsen, and Sergeant Cristie Jacobsen who was at South High School until her promotion to the rank of sergeant in the fall. The program is overseen by Sergeant Kevin Pallas. For the first day of school, the SROs had a friendly competition to see who could come up with the best "first day of school photo." All of the photos were great, but Officer Johnson won by a slight margin with his kittie lunch box and pink bicycle! During the summer, Discovery Middle School SRO Kingzett and South High School SRO Jacobsen assisted the Optimist Club with "Safety Town." This program teaches children safety through indoor and outdoor instruction on pedestrian and bike safety, stranger danger, and traffic signs.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 18
SWAT R e d R i v e r V a l l e y S WA T T e a m
SWAT COMMANDER
The Red River Valley SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Team is a highly trained group of Law Enforcement Officers for the purpose of responding to high risk incidents in our region. The Team is made up of a Tactical Unit which includes Tactical Medics, a Negotiations Unit and a Bomb Unit. The Team is made up of Officers, Deputies and Medics from the Fargo Police Department, West Fargo Police
Lieutenant Wi l l i a m A h l f e l d t
Department, NDSU Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Moorhead Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, FM Ambulance and Sanford Lifeflight. Our department has 13 tactical operators, three negotiators, two bomb technicians including the commander, and assistant commander.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 20
TACTICAL TEAM The SWAT Team was called on 14 times in 2018 for a variety of
The team also assisted the Secret
different situations. During two of those incidents, the situation
Service Counter Assault Team in June
was resolved prior to the team arriving on scene and they were
when President Donald Trump visited
cancelled.
Fargo.
In March, they responded to an individual in West Fargo who was
In 2018, members of the SWAT Team
barricaded in their vehicle with multiple weapons. The suspect
attended some specialized training to
had been involved in the theft of several firearms. During an
include breaching tactics, less lethal
attempted traffic stop, the suspect had fled from officers and
options and use, and an advanced
intentionally rammed one of the police cars. The suspect came to
SWAT Course. The Red River Valley
a stop in a neighborhood after the vehicle became disabled. The
SWAT Team was asked to provide
SWAT Team was requested to assist with the situation. The
training for other teams in our region.
suspect refused to exit the vehicle and presented a firearm to
In 2018, the SWAT Team taught a
officers several times. Eventually, the suspect exited the vehicle
Rural/Wooded searching Tactics course
and presented a lethal threat at officers and SWAT Operators on
at the Special Operations Training
scene. Several SWAT Operators engaged the suspect with
Association Conference in St. Cloud,
gunfire. Two Fargo Police SWAT team members were awarded the
MN. They also taught a firearms
combat cross award for their actions in this incident.
training class for entry teams and sniper teams at the Special Operations
In March, Vice President Mike Pence visited Fargo and the SWAT
Committee meeting in Fargo.
Team was called to assist the Secret Service Counter Assault Team for security. The team was used in an over-watch capacity
In 2018, the SWAT Team participated in
at different sites during his visit, as well as security within his
the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, the
motorcade.
Fargo Holiday Lights Parade, the Fargo Police Community Picnic, many group tours of SWAT headquarters, and group SWAT presentations.
ALL WE WANT IS ALL YOU'VE GOT.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 21
NEGOTIATIONS UNIT The Negotiations Unit was utilized 7 times in 2018. The Negotiations Unit assisted the Tactical Team on several calls related to search warrants and were utilized for suicidal individuals on several occasions. The Negotiations Unit is a valuable asset to the SWAT Team as they often are able to calm extremely tense situations to bring them to a peaceful resolution. The Negotiations team trains together every month on different topics to include, active listening, intelligence gathering and researching new tactics to assist them in the art of negotiating. Members from the Negotiations Unit attended the Special Operations Committee meeting in Fargo in 2018.
BOMB SQUAD In 2018, The Red River Valley Regional Bomb Squad responded to
The Bomb Squad trains twice a month
39 various situations. The team was sent on:
for eight hours each day to help achieve
· 5 calls of suspicious packages or hoaxes
this requirement. The Bomb Squad also
· 16 calls to pick up old ammunition and dispose of it
trained with the Fargo Fire Department
· 9 calls for an explosive device or powder
Hazmat team in 2018 as they have to
· 5 calls to assist the Tactical Team
work together on different incidents
· 4 calls related to security sweeps for dignitary visits
related to dangerous materials. In addition to this partnership, the Bomb
The Bomb Squad has been able to acquire a wide variety of new
Squad also met with the ND National
equipment over the last few years which helps them stay safe
Guard Explosive Ordinance Disposal
and efficiently dispose of dangerous materials. Staying proficient
unit in 2018 to discuss ways they can
with these various pieces of high tech equipment requires a lot of
work together in the future and be a
training and familiarization over the course of the year.
resource for each other.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 22
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT I n v e s t i g a t i o n s Di v i s i o n
DEPUTY CHIEF
In 2018, the Fargo Police Department's Criminal Investigations Unit had three teams: Adult Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Crimes Against Children with 17 detectives and three sergeants. Over the
T o d d Os mu n d s o n L i e u t e n a n t C h r i s He l mi c k L i e u t e n a n t J a s o n Ne l s o n S e r g e a n t C h r i s Ni c h t e r n
course of the year, detectives investigated over 1,500 major cases ranging from homicide to thefts from vehicles to human trafficking. In addition, detectives assisted several other agencies such as Cass County Social Services, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security. The unit is also responsible with the tracking of every sex offender required to register in the City of Fargo. Detectives ensured sex offenders registered their addresses, coordinated periodic checks and investigated all registration violations. The unit focused on training detectives in
S e r g e a n t C a r l o s Ne s t l e r
computer and cell phone forensics, arson investigation, and crime scene analysis. The unit started using a new crime scene mapping
Sergeant Junell Krabbenhoft
device which allows them to capture images of crime scenes in 3D. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 24
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT CONTINUED I n v e s t i g a t i o n s Di v i s i o n In January, members of a nationwide criminal networks started conducting "smash and grab" thefts in Fargo. The suspects targeted individuals who were stopping at daycares, gyms, movie theaters, and other locations. While the owners were inside the business, the suspects would break car windows and steal valuables in a short amount of time. Through a cooperative effort between Patrol, Investigations, Narcotics, and the Metro Area Street Crimes Unit, the suspects were identified and arrested. Several stolen items were also recovered. Between February and March, 23 garage burglaries occurred in the Osgood Neighborhood area. Thousands of dollars in property were stolen during these incidents, including firearms. Through a lengthy investigation by one of our detectives, in cooperation with ND Parole and Probation, a suspect was arrested for the burglaries. He plead guilty to all charges and was sentenced to prison. In May, the Criminal Investigations Unit investigated the death of a baby in a south Fargo home. The mother of the child delivered the baby in the apartment of a friend. However, the baby died under suspicious circumstances. After a lengthy investigation, the mother was charged with murder. The case is still pending prosecution. In July and August, two serious assaults took place downtown which were allegedly committed by a group of males. One of the assaults resulted in substantial injury to the victim. Initially, officers were given a vague description of the group. Detectives used that information and located security videos from multiple locations. Still shots from the videos were sent out to area law enforcement agencies and all five members were identified. One of the males was determined to be a suspect in both assaults. The juvenile male plead guilty to both crimes. Additional charges related to these cases are still pending. In September, Gabriel Perez was shot to death outside McDonald's, 905 Main Ave. During the course of the investigation, detectives identified Miguel Cooley, Sr. as the alleged shooter. In cooperation with the US Marshal's Service, the Moorhead Police Department and the Mower County Sheriff's Office (MN) Cooley was located and arrested in Rose Creek, MN and charged with murder. Also in September, Jakob Dirks was stabbed to death at a local hotel. Dirks had confronted acquaintances at the hotel who had stolen items from him. During the confrontation, Dirks was stabbed and died from his injuries. This was a complicated case that resulted in the conviction of three individuals and a fourth suspect pending trial. In December, the Fargo Police Department hosted a mock exercise for the Child Abduction Response Team (CART). This exercise involved many local, state and federal agencies. The intent was to test the group's response readiness to an abduction incident. This was the first time our agency hosted the exercise. Throughout the year, the Criminal Investigations Unit conducted five undercover operations in cooperation with the ND Human Trafficking Task Force. Four of the operations were conducted as outreach to victims of human trafficking. The fifth, was part of "Guardian Angel" and targeted people seeking sex with underage children. This operation resulted in one arrest.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 25
NARCOTICS UNIT I n v e s t i g a t i o n s Di v i s i o n
DEPUTY CHIEF
The Fargo Police Department Narcotics Unit is a specialized unit which consists of six detectives who are supervised by Sergeant Matt Christensen and overseen by Lieutenant Mat Sanders. One of the six detectives is assigned to the Drug Enforcement
T o d d Os mu n d s o n Lieutenant Shannon Ruziska L i e u t e n a n t Ma t S a n d e r s
Administration (DEA) Task Force in Fargo to investigate federal level drug crimes. The Narcotics Unit utilizes a team approach with the DEA Task Force, the Cass County Drug Task Force and the Lakes to River Task Force (Minnesota) to investigate drug crimes in our region. All of these agencies meet on a weekly basis to share information and further drug investigations, as many cases span multiple
Sergeant Ma t t C h r i s t e n s e n
jurisdictions.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 26
NARCOTICS UNIT CONTINUED I n v e s t i g a t i o n s Di v i s i o n In 2018, the Narcotics Unit saw a decrease in the amount of reported overdoses compared to 2017; which continues the downward trend from 2016 when overdoses hit an all-time high in our area. The Fargo Police Department responded to 30 incidents of reported overdoses. Of the reported cases, 11 people died as a result of the overdose. Of these 11 deaths, five were related to opiates, three were related to methamphetamine use, two were a combination of other drugs and/or additional medical issues, and one was undetermined. The Fargo Police Department’s patrol officers began carrying the opiate reversing drug Naloxone (Narcan) in 2018 and it was used in several instances to save lives. The Narcotics Unit also carries the drug with them on search warrants in case of an accidental exposure during their searches. Of the 30 reported overdose incidents, Naloxone was utilized 18 times.
Of the 30 reported overdose incidents, Naloxone was utilized 18 times. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 27
NARCOTICS UNIT CONTINUED I n v e s t i g a t i o n s Di v i s i o n In late 2017 and early 2018, the Narcotics Unit developed information related to an individual who was trafficking methamphetamine and heroin to the Fargo area. The Narcotics Unit shared and corroborated information with the other local narcotics detectives related to this individual. The individual was eventually identified and found to be a dangerous career criminal. A search warrant was granted for their residence in May of 2018. Due to the suspect’s criminal history, the Red River Valley SWAT Team was used to serve the warrant. Once the scene was secure, the Narcotics Unit, with assistance from the DEA Task Force, the Cass County Drug Task Force and the Metro Area Street Crimes Unit, conducted the search of the residence. As a result of the search, methamphetamine, heroin and 11 pounds of marijuana were located. In addition to the drugs, detectives found a S&W MP .556 rifle, two handguns and $4,655 in cash.
In July 2018, the Narcotics Unit and the Metro Street Crimes Unit acted on some information they received relative to suspected drug sales that had occurred at a local hotel. The investigation resulted in a search warrant being served at the hotel room in question. As detectives made entry into the room, the suspect broke out the window screen and jumped from the second story room in an attempt to dispose of the evidence. A short foot chase ensued which resulted in the suspect being apprehended. During this investigation, the detectives were assisted by a group of children who were playing nearby. The children pointed out the suspect who was attempting to run away. The suspect was arrested for multiple charges to include fleeing and drug trafficking.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 28
NARCOTICS UNIT CONTINUED I n v e s t i g a t i o n s Di v i s i o n In October 2018, The Narcotics Unit worked in conjunction with the DEA and Cass County Drug Task Force to investigate a suspect who was
2018 stats
bringing methamphetamine from Mexico to western North Dakota and then ultimately to Fargo. By utilizing a team approach , a total of 1 ½
2.25 lbs methamphetamine
pounds of methamphetamine was seized and the suspect was arrested. The suspect is currently in custody and will be prosecuted in
10.9 ounces cocaine
federal court for their activities. These investigations are great examples of the Fargo Police Narcotics Unit working as a team with the other local agencies to accomplish our mission. The mission of the Narcotics Unit continues to be identifying,
1.25 ounces heroin 18 hits of LSD
investigating and stopping individuals who are trafficking dangerous drugs in and to our community. The Narcotics Unit also recognizes addiction fuels other crimes in our community, to include property crime and assaults. The Narcotics Unit assists patrol officers and detectives assigned to the Property and Personal Crimes Units. The
15.25 lbs marijuana
people we investigate are often involved with cases they are investigating as well, and information sharing between our units is
1.07 ounces marijuana wax
essential for successful prosecution.
10 firearms (one stolen)
4 vehicles seized
$114,175 cash seized
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 29
METRO AREA STREET CRIMES UNIT I n v e s t i g a t i o n s Di v i s i o n
DEPUTY CHIEF T o d d Os mu n d s o n L i e u t e n a n t Ma t S a n d e r s Lieutenant Shannon Ruziska
The Metro Area Street Crimes Unit (MASCU) is comprised of officers and deputies from Cass and Clay County Sheriff’s Offices, and the West Fargo, Moorhead, and Fargo Police Departments. The MASCU continued to place pressure on outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMG). We did not see any OMG activity at local bike nights, on motorcycle runs, and very limited presence at the FM Crusaders bike show. In March 2018, the MASCU investigated a home invasion that involved a firearm where the victim was assaulted with a tire iron.
As a result of the investigation, five suspects were arrested, and the
S e r g e a n t S h a wn G a mr a d t
weapons used in the assault were recovered, including a stolen handgun. The five suspects plead guilty, and most received sentences between three to seven years prison time. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 30
METRO AREA STREET CRIMES UNIT CONTINUED I n v e s t i g a t i o n s Di v i s i o n In July 2018, the MASCU served a search warrant in West Fargo. The suspect
2018 STATS 332 arrests
had recently been released on parole from the North Dakota State Penitentiary where he had been serving time from a previous MASCU case that had involved drug trafficking. The suspect was arrested for drug trafficking related offenses again. He plead guilty to the new charges and is
95 confirmed gang
serving three and nine year sentences.
members or known associates
In February 2018, several local gang members, already under investigation by the MASCU, committed a theft of multiple firearms from a local pawnshop. The MASCU officers identified the suspects, served a search warrant at a residence, and the stolen firearms were recovered. The search
61 search warrants
warrant also led to a separate weapons violation investigation. One suspect
served
plead guilty in state court, and the other plead guilty in federal court. Throughout the year, the MASCU worked in conjunction with the U.S. Marshal's High Plains Fugitive Task Force.
220.78 grams of methamphetamine
In September, the Metro Street Crimes Unit and U.S. Marshals Service High
42 grams of cocaine
Plains Fugitive Task Force worked with the Fargo Police Department and
6.6 grams of heroin
Moorhead Police Department regarding a homicide that occurred in Fargo. Task Force Officers from both units worked to locate the suspect, and helped ensure no retaliation from the victim’s family would occur. Through
15.33 lbs of marijuana
the unit’s investigation, the suspect was located and arrested near Rochester, MN. After the suspect was arrested, the MASCU assisted the Moorhead and Fargo Police Departments execute a search warrant at the suspect's residence.
41 pills
The MASCU and the U.S. Marshals Service High Plains Fugitive Task Force opened an investigation after receiving a tip that an unregistered sex offender was working at a local business in West Fargo, ND, and was wanted
147 pieces of
out of Tennessee for failure to register as a sex offender. Although he left
paraphernalia
West Fargo, the investigation continued which led to his arrest in Rapid City, SD. He plead guilty to failure to register as a sex offender. During the month of September 2018, the MASCU and the U.S. Marshals High
$19, 132 in cash
Plains Fugitive Task Force conducted Operation Damage Control. The operation focused on fugitives with suspected gang affiliations, violent offenders, and firearms violations. The operation resulted in 41 arrests, the seizure of one firearm, two stolen vehicles, $8,872, and 149 grams of
14 guns
controlled substances. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 31
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 32
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Deputy Chief Joe Anderson Lieutenants Mat Sanders +Travis Stefonowicz Sergeants Tom Morris, Kevin Volrath + Tom Shaw In 2018, the department was awarded several
arrests made, one drug arrest, 35 minor in
grants to include: $7,000 NDDOT Distracted
possession citations issued, two non-traffic
Driving, $10,000 NDDOT Underage Drinking
citations issued, 66 other alcohol arrests (loud
Enforcement, $11,000 NDDOT Safety Belt
party, consuming alcohol in public, etc.) and one
Enforcement, $7,000 NDDOT DUI Marketing
other arrest made in operation of this grant.
Campaign, $20,000 NDDOT Sobriety Checkpoints
Using the DUI enforcement grant, 267 total
and Saturation Patrols, $50,091 Edward Byrne
arrests or citations were issued, 79 of which
Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (used for
were for DUI or APC. Using the Seat belt grant,
overtime), $62,217 2018 State Homeland Security
304 total arrests or citations were issued, 159
Program, and a $32,471 Juvenile Justice and
were for seat belt or child restraint violations.
Delinquency Prevention grant.
Using the Distracted Driving grant, 152 arrests or citations were issued, 51 were for texting or
Using the Underage Drinking Enforcement grant, eight alcohol compliance checks were conducted, 16 server training classes taught, two felony
distracted driving.
The Administrative Services Division is home to the department's social media and public relations team . The team continued to push information to the public and media regarding the department's activities and incidents within the City. The department added two new social media platforms, SnapChat and Instagram, in order to reach more people in our community. These platforms have allowed the department to share stories and photos of our officers and K9s to help our community connect with our department in a positive way. The division is also home to the Records Unit, Property Room, Training and Recruiting Unit. The Records Unit conducted 3,071 fingerprints, and 1,710 criminal background checks in 2018. The Property Unit took in 8,832 new items for 2,921 cases. In 2018, the department hired 15 new officers. The department prides itself in providing frequent and quality training for its officers. Officers train monthly, rotating between firearms and defensive tactics. In 2018, the department provided approximately 2,000 hours of firearms and defensive tactics training. The department actively recruited candidates throughout the year using the department's social media platforms, and attended several career fairs across the country. The department is dedicated to finding the best candidates who emulate our quality standards: safety, courtesy, empathy and trust.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 33
AWARDS
"WHENEVER AN EMPLOYEE PERFORMS THEIR DUTIES IN AN EXEMPLARY MANNER."
difficult task of reviewing each one to decide which ones would be awarded. In 2018, 13 life saving awards, eight police service awards for the police training program, four police service awards for
Throughout the year, officers and
participation on the SWAT team, two
supervisors are able to nominate each
distinguished service medals, one silver
other for recognition for their actions.
star, and five combat cross awards were
Special recognition may be in order
given. Each year one supervisor, police
whenever an employee performs his or
officer, and civilian employee are
her duties in an exemplary manner. In
recognized for their outstanding
2018, the Awards Committee received
service, professionalism, and
several nominations, and had the
contribution to the department. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 34
Officer Brad Baer Life Saving Award
Officer Tyler Nord Life Saving Award
Officer Alex Bollman Life Saving Award
Officer Jon Novacek Life Saving Award
Officer Dave Boe Life Saving Award
Officer Taylor Savageau Life Saving Award
Officer Dan Bair Life Saving Award
Officer Mike Clower Life Saving Award
Officer Derek Johnson Life Saving Award
Officer Zach Robinson Life Saving Award
Officer Rob Essler Life Saving Award
Officer Toby Carlsson Life Saving Award
Sergeant Travis Moser Life Saving Award
Officer Justin Nachatilo Police Service Award
Officer Dane Ronning Police Service Award
Officer Dave Boe Police Service Award
Officer Richard Dietz Police Service Award
Sergeant Mike Erbes Police Service Award
Sergeant Joel Erickson Police Service Award
Lieutenant Chris Helmick Police Service Award
Lieutenant Bill Ahlfeldt Police Service Award
Sergeant Travis Moser Police Service Award
Officer Nate Nieman Police Service Award
Officer Amy Kingzett Police Service Award
Officer Richard Dietz Distinguished Service Medal
Officer Terresa Durr Distinguished Service Medal
Officer Matt Moon Silver Star
Officer Cory Luckow Combat Cross
Officer Jacob Rued Combat Cross
Officer Rob Essler Combat Cross
Sergeant Shane Aberle Combat Cross
Sergeant Troy Hannig Combat Cross
Jessica Schindeldecker Civilian of the Year
Officer Dan Bair Police Officer of the Year
Lieutenant Chris Helmick Supervisor of the Year
AWARD DEFINITIONS The Life Saving Award is presented to sworn officers and civilian employees, who distinguish themselves by an act which contributes to the saving of a person's life. The Police Service Award is presented to sworn officers, who demonstrate exemplary service and dedication to the department by serving as a Police Training Officer or member of the SWAT Team for a minimum of five years. The Distinguished Service Medal is presented to sworn officers, who distinguish themselves by an act above and beyond the call of duty, in which the circumstances indicate an act which brings acclaim to the officer of the department; or have served in a distinguishable manner for 20 years or more. The Silver Star is awarded to sworn officers who distinguish themselves by an act above and beyond the call of duty, in which the circumstances indicate an act of bravery or heroism. The Combat Cross is awarded to sworn officers who distinguish themselves during an encounter with an adversary armed with a deadly weapon, in which the officer's life was directly and significantly threatened. Supervisor, Police Officer and Civilian of The Year are awarded in recognition for outstanding service, professionalism, and contribution to the department for the preceding year. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 36
FUN
FACTS
78,652 gallons
1,344,945 miles
2,000 hours training
1,336 criminal intelligence files
8,832 evidence
3,071 fingerprints
1,710 background checks 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 37
Chief of Police David E. Todd
Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney
www.fargopolice.com