FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – The Fargo Police Department’s Academy Class VI is set to launch on Monday, January 22, with 14 new recruits. The Fargo Police Department (FPD) narrowed a field of over 150 applicants to 14 students through an extensive application, background-check and interview process. Individuals attending the Fargo Police Academy will receive over 400 hours of North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (ND POST)-approved training before entering the Police Training Officer (PTO) program, a 16-week on-the-job training period.
The Fargo Police Academy provides Peace Officer Training, certified by the ND POST Board, via an intensive 13-week course. Unlike traditional police academies, the FPD has created a forward-thinking process that allows for new recruits to be hired as department staff in order to provide compensation throughout attendance. Upon successful completion of the academy and ND POST test, students are eligible for hire as a licensed peace officer by The Fargo Police Department.
General topics taught throughout the course include constitutional law, crime scene investigations, defensive & de-escalation tactics, Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC), firearms training and more. The majority of the training will be led by current Fargo Police Department officers, detectives and supervisors, which is an advantage that distinguishes the Fargo Police Academy from other training academies within the region.
“Our in-house academy provides new recruits with more than just training; we immerse them into the culture of our department. From day one, our academy provides evidence-based knowledge, skills and abilities through 21st century policing philosophies, and in conformity with the values of our department. We highlight the importance of the community-police partnership in our own unique way -- The Fargo Way,” remarked Police Chief Dave Zibolski.
In addition to curating and leading the Fargo Police Academy, the FPD Training and Development Unit is responsible for ensuring diversified, high-value and continuous training is provided to all FPD team members by coordinating and leading educational opportunities on a consistent basis.