Fargo Residents Voice Safety Concerns, Police Report Citywide Crime Decrease

Fargo residents in the Roosevelt and Horace Mann neighborhoods shared concerns about safety with police yesterday evening, while officials reported overall crime rates are trending downward across the city.

The meeting, held at Roosevelt Elementary, focused on issues in north Fargo, including speeding on 10th Street North. Resident Seth Holden described the area as a “drag strip,” noting the frequent sound of speeding engines. Police Captain Travis Moser explained that officers are employing “very comprehensive operational planning” to address speeding and street racing, moving beyond simply patrolling known hotspots. Residents were encouraged to report any suspicious activity to 911, even if they are unsure of its significance.

Citywide crime data indicates a 9% decrease in “Group A” offenses – including assaults, robbery, burglary, theft, and drug crimes – in downtown Fargo, and a 12% decrease across the entire city. This data is collected using the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, providing a standardized measure of crime across the nation. The future location of the Downtown Engagement Center, with two proposed sites near the Roosevelt neighborhood, was also discussed, though attendees did not express specific concerns.

Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski emphasized that Fargo remains a safe city, stating, “Do we have crime? Yes, we have crime, but this is a very safe city, and when things happen, we’re also on top of it.” The City Commission is scheduled to decide on the Engagement Center’s location at its next meeting on October 27, with a goal of opening the center within the next two months.