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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

DIVISION OVERVIEW

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) leads investigative efforts across several specialized units, including the Criminal Investigations Unit and the Special Operations Unit. CID is made up of Detective and Investigator positions who specialize in certain roles while working collaboratively to combat crime and ensure justice for victims of crime.

ADULT VIOLENT CRIMES TEAM
  • The Adult Violent Crimes (AVC) Team is a specialized team within The Fargo Police Department focused on investigating serious crimes like homicides, assaults and other violent offenses. Comprised of experienced detectives and investigators, AVC handles complex cases, working to solve violent crimes and bring justice to victims.
  • The Adult Sexual Assault Team focuses on investigating sexual assault crimes and supporting victims. The team consists of detectives and investigators who work on cases involving sexual assault, gross sexual impositions (rape) and sex offender compliance. This team collaborates closely with community services and local hospitals to pursue justice and provide assistance to victims as they navigate the legal system.
  • The Property Crimes Team at The Fargo Police Department investigates crimes like burglaries, thefts, stolen vehicles and fraud. The team works to track suspects, recover stolen property, execute search warrants and conduct surveillance. They also collaborate with other teams to solve complex cases involving repeat offenders and connected incidents.
  • The Crimes Against Children (CAC) Team is dedicated to investigating cases involving child abuse, including physical and sexual abuse. The team collaborates with key community partners such as human service agencies, child advocacy centers and youth organizations to provide comprehensive support for victims. Through specialized training and expert resources, the CAC works diligently to protect and advocate for vulnerable children.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT

The Criminal Investigations Unit consists of four specialized teams: Adult Violent Crimes, Adult Sexual Assault, Property Crimes and Crimes Against Children. Each team is staffed with dedicated detectives and investigators who are responsible for managing and pursuing cases specific to their area of focus.

These professionals conduct thorough investigations, gather and analyze evidence, interview witnesses and suspects and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies as needed. Their work plays a crucial role in bringing offenders to justice and supporting victims throughout the investigative and judicial process. Detectives and investigators are trained to approach each case with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that all leads are followed, and all procedures are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

New officers who demonstrate strong investigative instincts and a commitment to excellence may have the opportunity to join the Criminal Investigations Unit after only a few years of patrol experience. This allows motivated individuals to grow quickly in their careers and contribute to complex cases early on.

SPECIALIZED OPERATIONS UNIT

The Special Operations Unit includes the Narcotics Unit, Metro Area Street Crimes Unit and Intelligence and Analysis Unit. The FPD also has detectives and investigators who serve as members of the Cass County Drug Task Force. 

These units offer dynamic career paths for officers interested in tackling high-level crimes and making a lasting impact in the community. With ongoing mentorship and training, officers can build the skills needed to transition into these roles and advance their careers within the department.

METRO AREA STREET CRIMES UNIT
  • The Metro Area Street Crimes Unit (SCU) is a multi-agency task force focused on addressing gang-related activities, apprehending fugitives and combating violent crime. The unit works closely with local, state and federal agencies to investigate and target repeat offenders, aiming to reduce crime and enhance public safety across the region. By leveraging strong partnerships, the SCU tackles complex criminal activity at both the local and federal levels.
  • The Intelligence and Analysis Unit (IAU) focuses on collecting, evaluating and analyzing intelligence related to criminal and homeland security threats in the community. The unit tracks crime patterns, trends and statistics to proactively deter criminal activity and support investigations. Through collaboration and information sharing with local, regional and federal agencies, IAU enhances efforts to combat crime and identify individuals or organizations involved in criminal activities. The unit also plays a key role in forensic analysis, assisting with evidence such as audio, video and cell phone data to support ongoing investigations.
  • The Cass County Drug Task Force (CCDTF) is focused on investigating drug-related crimes, including trafficking, abuse and illegal substance use within the community. The task force works collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies to address the ongoing challenges of drug crime, including partnerships with the DEA, ATF, US Postal Service and other regional drug task forces. The CCDTF also plays a key role in educating the public about drug trends and behaviors to help identify and prevent drug-related issues in neighborhoods.

WE'RE HIRING!

Are you looking for a career with growth opportunities and a way to impact your community?

As the regional leader in policing, The Fargo Police Department provides a wide range of career paths, no matter your age or stage of life.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • No. The Fargo Police Department provides its own paid academy training to each of its new hires. The Fargo Police Academy is an 18-week training program fully certified by the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (NDPOST).
  • In 2022, The Fargo Police Department began hiring candidates prior to the academy. Candidates are now applying for a job as a Fargo Police Officer rather than just completing the Academy as a standalone.
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The Fargo Police Training and Development Unit will help you determine the best start date for you. 

There’s several helpful ways to prepare for our hiring process:

  1. First, an in-person meeting with a recruiter is a great opportunity to learn more about the agency and get helpful advice on interviewing and the hiring process as a whole.
  2. Second, a ride-along with one of our Officers is a great way to gain exposure to our department and what our Officers do on a day-to-day basis. A recruiter can help set up a ride-along on a date and time most convenient for you.
  3. Third, take a look through our social media channels and their content. There you will find great insight into our academy and department.  
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The mission of the Fargo Police Department is to provide the highest level of service through community partnerships, being a well-trained police department, and forward-thinking policies to improve the quality of life for all.

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