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SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE

We believe that taking care of the people who serve as guardians of our community starts with making wellness a top priority. At the Fargo Police Department, we’re committed to supporting the physical, mental, financial, spiritual and emotional health of every team member — because resilient officers create safer, stronger communities.

WHY WELLNESS MATTERS

The challenges of police work are real — but you don’t have to face them alone. The Fargo Police Department fosters a culture where seeking support is not only accepted but also encouraged. From the moment you join the FPD, you’ll have access to a variety of resources designed to help you navigate stress, build resilience and grow — both personally and professionally.

COMPREHENSIVE WELLNESS PROGRAMS & RESOURCES

ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-INS
  • Every FPD employee—sworn and civilian—participates in confidential annual check-ins with licensed mental health professionals experienced in working with first responders. It’s not a performance evaluation; it’s a chance to talk, decompress, and stay connected to mental health support.
  • Our dedicated coordinator leads department-wide wellness initiatives and offers training in suicide prevention, mindfulness, stress reduction, and more. They also support spouses and families through education and outreach, ensuring our officers’ support systems are equipped and informed.
  • Sometimes the best support comes from someone who understands the job firsthand. Our Peer Support Team includes trained officers from every rank who provide one-on-one assistance, lead defusings and debriefings, and educate new recruits and their families about trauma awareness and support resources.
  • Emotional and spiritual care is always within reach thanks to our dedicated chaplain team. Whether responding to a critical incident, riding along on patrol, or sharing a quiet moment over coffee, our chaplains offer compassionate support when it’s needed most.
  • FPD regularly engages in VALOR training—a national initiative focused on officer resilience, peak performance, and stress management. It equips our team with the skills to bounce back from adversity and thrive in high-pressure environments.
  • Struggle Well goes beyond trauma recovery—it helps officers grow through challenges. This law enforcement-specific program provides tools for personal growth, community integration, and long-term well-being, and we are actively working to integrate its principles into our department culture.

FAMILY SUPPORT

Officer wellness extends beyond the badge. We believe healthy families build healthy officers, which is why many of our programs include support for spouses and loved ones. From training sessions to swearing-in ceremonies, we work to keep families informed and involved.

The Peer Support Team and Health & Wellness Coordinator provide guidance to families on navigating stress, trauma and the day-to-day realities of law enforcement life — because when our officers are supported at home, they’re stronger in the field.

A CULTURE OF CARE

Wellness isn’t just a program — it’s how we operate. From our leadership to our recruits, everyone at the FPD plays a role in fostering a supportive, resilient department. We continue to evolve our wellness efforts through partnerships with national organizations, participation in regional and national initiatives and open communication across all ranks.

Whether responding to a critical incident or celebrating a career milestone, The Fargo Police Department stands behind our officers — every step of the way.

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.

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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ABOUT US

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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