Working Together for a Safer Downtown Neighborhood
The Fargo Police Department is dedicated to ensuring a safe and unified community for all. Strong partnerships with residents and businesses in the Downtown Fargo neighborhood are key to achieving this goal. If you witness any disorderly or criminal behavior, please call the police immediately. Your prompt reporting allows us to respond quickly, assess the situation and work towards a positive resolution.
While enforcing the laws of our community is our priority, we also collaborate with community partners to address the underlying causes of concerning behavior. By working together, we can create a safer and more welcoming Downtown for all.
How You Can Help
By reporting criminal activity, you directly contribute to a safer Fargo, ensuring The Fargo Police Department has a firm understanding of where and when crime is occurring. If you witness or are a victim of a crime, it is best to call 9-1-1. In non-emergency situations, you may call the Non-Emergency Dispatch at 701.235.4493.
If you've seen something or been affected by a crime and don't have details about who did it, our online Desk Officer Reporting System (DORS) offers a convenient way to file a report.
When reporting a crime, it is always helpful to take note of the following things:
- Suspect Information: This may include name, date of birth, sex, race, hair color, height, weight, clothing, facial hair, tattoos, scars, etc.
- Involved Vehicle Information: License plate, make model, year, color, number of doors, damage, stickers, or other distinguishing marks.
- Time of day and frequency of events are also important.
The following crimes can be reported online:
- Damage to Motor Vehicle
- Garage Burglary (no forced entry)
- Gas drive-offs
- Graffiti/Vandalism
- Harassing Phone Calls
- Illegal Dumping
- Lost Identity Documents
- Shoplifting
- Telephone Harassment
- Thefts (under $10,000)
- Vehicle Break-Ins
Commons Ordinances and How They're Enforced
Downtown Fargo is a vibrant hub, attracting visitors, businesses and community events. It's also home to important health and human service resources. Because of this diverse and busy environment, certain issues are more common. Here's what you should know about common ordinances The Fargo Police Department enforces in Downtown Fargo and how officers respond.
Criminal Mischief - Class B misdemeanor ($500 fine)
A person is guilty of Criminal Mischief if they willfully tamper with property of another so as to endanger the person or property. The court may order reimbursement or restitution by the offender to the person whose property has been damaged or destroyed. If an officer witnesses this behavior, they may arrest when appropriate. If no suspect is identified, these crimes can be reported online.
Criminal Trespass - Class B Misdemeanor ($500 fine)
A person is guilty of Criminal Trespass if they enter or remain in any place where notice of trespass has been given and they know they are not licensed or privilege to be there, or they remain upon the property of another after being requested to leave by an authorized person. If an officer witnesses this behavior, they may arrest when appropriate.
Consuming or Possessing Alcohol Beverage in Public - Infraction ($300 fine)
A person may not consume alcoholic beverages, or possess an open container, to include any bottle, can or other receptacle that contains any amount of alcoholic beverages upon streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, stairways thoroughfares or other public property in an area within the city, nor in or upon the parking areas of private shopping centers, hotels, motels, licensed liquor establishments unless granted a special event permit. If an officer witnesses this behavior, they may cite/arrest.
Disorderly Conduct (Requires a victim) - Class B Misdemeanor ($500 fine)
A person is guilty of Disorderly Conduct if they intend to harass, annoy, or alarm another person by engaging in fighting, violent or threatening behavior, makes unreasonable noise, uses abusive or obscene language, obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic, persistently follows a person in a public place, solicits sexual contact, makes threatening or intimidating phone calls, creates a hazardous, physically offensive or seriously alarming condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose. This section does not apply to constitutionally-protected activity. If an officer witnesses this behavior, they may arrest when appropriate.
Indecent or Disorderly Act - Infraction ($100 fine)
A person is guilty of Indecent or Disorderly Act if they conduct themselves in a tumultuous, riotous, indecent or disorderly manner, commit and lewd, lascivious, immoral, or indecent act. If an officer witnesses this behavior, they may cite/arrest without a victim.
Urinating in Public - Infraction ($300 fine)
It is unlawful for any person to urinate upon public property, including any street, alley or public highway, sidewalk or boulevard. If an officer witnesses this behavior, they may cite/arrest.
Riding Bicycle on Sidewalk Which is Posted With Signs Prohibiting Bicycles - Infraction ($20 fine)
It is unlawful for any person to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk which is posted with signs prohibiting bicycles; provided that this ordinance shall not apply to law enforcement officers riding bicycles in connection with their duties. If an officer witnesses this behavior, they may cite.