Fargo Police Announce Changes to AI Policies After Wrongful Arrest

Department will restrict use of facial recognition technology after incident involving Tennessee woman

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:07am

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The Fargo Police Department held a press conference to announce changes to its policies and procedures regarding the use of artificial intelligence, particularly facial recognition technology, in policing. This comes after an incident where a woman from Tennessee, Angela Lipps, was jailed in Fargo in connection to a fraud case that was linked to her through facial recognition by the West Fargo Police Department. Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski stated the department will no longer use West Fargo's AI system and will restrict the use of facial recognition technology to the Criminal Investigation Division only, with prior approval from unit commanders.

Why it matters

The incident with Angela Lipps highlights the potential risks and pitfalls of using AI-powered facial recognition in law enforcement, including issues around accuracy, oversight, and civil liberties. Fargo's policy changes aim to address these concerns and establish more safeguards around the use of this technology.

The details

Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski said the department does not have its own facial recognition equipment, but rather relies on other entities like the North Dakota State and Local Intelligence Center (NDSLIC). In the Lipps case, the West Fargo Police Department's AI system identified her as a potential suspect, and this information was forwarded to Fargo detectives, who then assumed they had the necessary surveillance photos to make the identification. However, West Fargo had not actually sent those photos. Zibolski said the department will no longer use West Fargo's AI system, and facial recognition technology can only be utilized by the Criminal Investigation Division with prior approval from unit commanders. The department is also working to update its standard operating procedures and provide additional training to staff on facial recognition.

  • On March 20, Zibolski issued a temporary directive restricting the use of facial recognition technology.
  • In the Lipps case, she was arrested in Tennessee and Fargo Police were not notified until December, leading to a communication gap.

The players

David Zibolski

Fargo Police Chief who announced the department's policy changes regarding the use of artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology.

Angela Lipps

A woman from Tennessee who was jailed in Fargo in connection to a fraud case that was linked to her through facial recognition by the West Fargo Police Department.

Tim Mahoney

The mayor of Fargo who addressed the police chief's handling of the issues surrounding the use of facial recognition technology.

Matt Christensen

Investigations Division Commander for the Fargo Police Department who has officers reviewing the booking roster daily to identify any names from open cases or warrants.

North Dakota State and Local Intelligence Center (NDSLIC)

An entity that the Fargo Police Department relies on for facial recognition technology, rather than having its own equipment.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.