Fargo Police Report Violent Crime Down, Calls Up in 2025

Outgoing chief touts second straight year of declining crime rates in the city.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:19am

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In his final annual report, outgoing Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski told the city commission that violent crime rates continued to decline for the second consecutive year in 2025, with a 20% drop in aggravated assaults. However, overall calls for police service increased by 5% compared to the prior year.

Why it matters

The report suggests Fargo is seeing a positive trend in public safety, with violent crime rates falling even as overall demand for police services rises. This could indicate improved policing strategies, community engagement, or other factors contributing to the city's improved public safety outcomes.

The details

According to Zibolski's report, the Fargo Police Department responded to only 327 aggravated assaults in 2025, down 20% from 2024. While violent crime is down, the department saw a 5% increase in overall calls for service compared to the prior year. Zibolski noted that the department's top five call types did not include any major violent crimes.

  • The 2025 Fargo Police Department annual report was presented on March 16, 2026.
  • Violent crime rates have declined for the second consecutive year in Fargo.

The players

Dave Zibolski

The outgoing chief of the Fargo Police Department, who presented the department's 2025 annual report to the city commission.

Fargo Police Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for public safety in Fargo, North Dakota.

Fargo City Commission

The governing body of the city of Fargo, North Dakota, to whom the police department's annual report was presented.

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What they’re saying

“Certainly, it's nice to see that our top five calls for service are not any time of aggravated assault, or things that are significant.”

— Dave Zibolski, Police Chief

The takeaway

Fargo appears to be making progress in public safety, with violent crime rates declining for the second straight year even as overall demand for police services increases. This suggests the city's policing strategies and community engagement efforts may be paying dividends, though continued monitoring will be important to sustain these positive trends.