Violent Crime Down 10% in Fargo in 2025

Police Chief cites Real Time Crime Center, traffic safety team, and community cooperation as factors in the decline.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 1:59am

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According to Fargo Police Department data, violent crime in the city decreased by 10% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This includes decreases in offenses such as rape, aggravated assault, burglary, vehicle thefts, murder, and robberies. Police Chief David Zibolski attributed the drop to several factors, including the department's Real Time Crime Center, a new traffic safety team, and increased community cooperation during investigations.

Why it matters

The reduction in violent crime is a positive development for the city of Fargo, which has faced challenges with gun violence and other public safety issues in recent years. The data suggests that the police department's proactive measures and community engagement efforts have been effective in improving public safety.

The details

According to the police data, violent crime offenses went down 6.8% in 2024 from 2023 as well. Chief Zibolski said the Real Time Crime Center has been a "real gamechanger" in solving crimes faster and uncovering new cases. The department also implemented a traffic safety team, which Zibolski believes contributed to the decline. Additionally, the chief credited the community's help during investigations as a factor in the lower violent crime rates.

  • In 2025, violent crime in Fargo decreased by 10% compared to the previous year.
  • Violent crime offenses went down 6.8% in 2024 from 2023.

The players

David Zibolski

The police chief of Fargo, North Dakota, who attributed the 10% decrease in violent crime in 2025 to several factors, including the department's Real Time Crime Center, a new traffic safety team, and increased community cooperation.

Fargo Police Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Fargo, North Dakota, and collecting and reporting the crime statistics that showed a 10% decrease in violent crime in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Our Real Time Crime Center, which has been a real gamechanger in terms of our ability to solve crime either faster, or solve crimes we haven't even solved previously because of that intelligence information.”

— David Zibolski, Police Chief

“I think that's due a lot to our community and our attention to these details and particular crimes.”

— David Zibolski, Police Chief

What’s next

The Fargo Police Department plans to continue its efforts to address violent crime, including maintaining the Real Time Crime Center and traffic safety team, as well as strengthening community partnerships. The department will also focus on addressing the rise in shoplifting and vehicle part thefts, as well as the increasing number of mental health-related calls.

The takeaway

The 10% decrease in violent crime in Fargo in 2025 demonstrates that the police department's proactive measures, combined with community cooperation, can be effective in improving public safety. However, the city still faces challenges with property crimes and mental health-related issues that will require ongoing attention and solutions.