WEST FARGO POLICE DEPARTMENT2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

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IN MEMORIAMThe West Fargo Police Department would like to honor and remember Grand Forks Police Officer Cody Holte. On May 27, 2020 Officer Holte was killed in the line of duty while assisting on a call where fellow officers were fired upon while serving an eviction notice.

We want to dedicate the 2020 Annual Report to the first responders and health care workers who battled the pandemic courageously and to the memory of the 331 police officers nationwide who lost their fight against the coronavirus in 2020.

IN DEDICATION

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IN MEMORIAM, IN DEDICATIONINTRODUCTION BY CHIEF DENIS OTTERNESSMISSION AND VISION STATEMENTCRIME STATISTICSCOMMAND STAFFNEW HIRES, COMPLETED PROBATIONARY PERIODAWARD RECIPIENTSSERVICE MILESTONESCOVID-19 RESPONSEDEPARTMENT VOLUNTEERSBUDGETCOMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMSPOLICE EXPLORERS POST #281PATROL DIVISIONTRAFFIC AND PATROL STATISTICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERK9 DIVISIONADMINISTRATIVETRAINING, SPECIAL PROGRAMSINVESTIGATIONSBOMB AND SWATDRUG STATISTICS AND EVIDENCE PROCESSINGMETRO-AREA STREET CRIMES UNITSCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS AND CULTURAL LIAISON OFFICERTHANK YOU

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INTRODUCTIONBY CHIEF OTTERNESS

Commission President Dardis,

I am proud to present the West Fargo Police Department’s 2020 Annual Report. While the City of West Fargo continues to experience significant growth, the overall crime rate has declined with a 2% decrease and an 11% decrease in violent crimes since 2019.

I am happy to report that West Fargo was named the safest city in North Dakota for the third straight year. It is unusual for a city with the exponential growth that West Fargo has seen to have crime rates decrease. This is a testament to the continued partnership between the community and members of our police department, to help prevent crime within the city.

Despite working through a global pandemic, the department has continued to reach our community in a variety of ways. Our community outreach efforts demonstrate our commitment to working with our businesses, residents and visitors and displays our core values of respect, teamwork and integrity.

Our department of 67 sworn officers and 13 civilian staff are composed of extraordinary leaders who have a goal to honorably protect and serve the residents of West Fargo. Our law enforcement officers are trained and motivated personnel, ready to protect life and safeguard property in an impartial, effective and efficient manner.

I look forward to what 2021 brings, and I want to thank the community and our commissioners for their continued support of the West Fargo Police Department. I hope you enjoy the annual report that highlights our accomplishments in 2020. The men and women of the West Fargo Police Department look forward to continuing to partner together as one community, to make West Fargo the best city to live, work and play. M

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The West Fargo Police Department has the responsibility to protect life and safeguard property in a highly effective and efficient manner and to engage the community in a collaborative crime prevention program.

MISSION STATEMENT

The West Fargo Police Department strives to be a highly trusted public service agency that all levels of the criminal justice system may use as a standard of law enforcement performance as a result of having developed and maintained a strong core of visionary leaders and exceptionally trained and motivated personnel.

VISION STATEMENT

I N T E G R I T YH O N E S T YT R U S TCOMPETENCET E A M W O R KR E S P E C TS E R V I C EB A L A N C E

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Crimes Against Persons 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Property Crimes 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Drug Crimes 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Crime Total 3467 3809 3603 3599 3619 3547

3296653927452596355523

107316744464

13349735275738126425713

115618034808

04392063624953013347562094716014269

2565835726222710059851780014833954

03951454324032911245492881014223792

03511115402594328248652165112643370

15444393391187017929612393304

14655513411154814135812553347

9070453961135413531612193251

12293354241284212436213303547

123160543831464112140314313816

183177644301435714235615524139

2212211125541477

3293131097512003

355351777832088

354338947862096

373325687662029

346307787311874

HomicideSex Crimes

Felonious Restraint/KidnappingPornography

RobberyAggravated Assault

Simple Assault/IntimidationStalking

Weapon Law ViolationsMissing Persons/Runaway

Suicide (Attempted,Completed) Suicide Threat

Unattended DeathOther Peronal Crimes

SUBTOTALPersonal Crimes Per 100,000 People

Burglary/Theft From BuildingShoplifting

Motor Vehicle TheftAll Other TheftCounterfeiting

Identity TheftVandalism

Other Property CrimesSUBTOTAL

Personal Crimes Per 100,000 People

Drug/Narcotic ViolationsDrug Equipment Violations

Liquor Law ViolationsSUBTOTAL

Personal Crimes Per 100,000 People

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2020 COMMAND STAFF

Chief of PoliceDenis Otterness

Business ManagerChris Davidson

Assistant Chief of PoliceJerry Boyer

Patrol Division Administrative Division

Patrol LieutenantAdam Gustafson

Patrol LieutenantJason Dura

Investigations LieutenantGregory Warren

Administrative LieutenantJason Anderson

Patrol SergeantTerry Styf

Patrol Sergeant

Pete Nielsen

Patrol Sergeant

Randy Burkhartsmeier

Patrol Sergeant

Kyle Johnson

School Resource Program Sergeant

Derek Cruff

InvestigationsSergeant

Timothy Runcorn

Adminstration and Training Sergeant

Tyler Williams

Office Supervisor

Tracy Haugen

Patrol Sergeant

Ryan Haskell

Patrol Sergeant

Patrick Hanson

Investigations Division

Patrol Sergeant

Cody Beilke

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NEW HIRES

Bobbi Jo Nobles,Patrol Officer

Dylan Anthony,Patrol Officer

COMPLETED PROBATIONARY PERIOD

67 TOTAL OFFICERS

13CIVILIAN STAFF

Arnie Nelson,Patrol Officer

Robert Mueller,Patrol Officer

Denis Otterness,Chief of Police

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2020 Luther Family Ford Salute to Law Enforcement

2020 Employees of the Quarter

Jacob Zach,Patrol Officer

David Saari,Patrol Officer

Tracy Haugen,Office Supervisor

Ryan Haskell,Sergeant

Jacob Zach,Patrol Officer

Travis Johnson,Patrol Officer

James Ellefson,Patrol Officer

Former Chief Heith Janke accepted the opportunity to be re-instated with the FBI in April 2020. Assistant Chief Jerry Boyer served as interim Chief of Police. Chief Denis Otterness, a for-mer West Fargo Patrol Officer, accepted the position of Chief of Police in July 2020. Chief Otterness has more than 30 years of sworn law enforcement experience, with the majority of those years serving the Bloomington Police Department in Minnesota.

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SERVICE MILESTONES

Greg Warren 45 Years of Service

Pam Cota40 Years of Service

Chris Davidson25 Years of Service

Mark Morris20 Years of Service

Jerry Boyer15 Years of Service

Jason Balvik15 Years of Service

Sylvie Schweyen10 Years of Service

Matt Oldham5 Years of Service

Grant Richardson5 Years of Service

Sabrina Symonds5 Years of Service

Aaron Ostlund5 Years of Service

Todd Pearson20 Years of Service

Brock Ackerman5 Years of Service

Mike Pietron5 Years of Service

Tracy Haugen25 Years of Service

Mackenzie Carr5 Years of Service

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The department changed protocols since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Employees wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary to protect officers’ safety and the community. The department also closed the reception area when appropriate to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

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Ron Babb,Department Volunteer

Carl Glander,Department Volunteer

Richard Logan,Department Volunteer

DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEERS

Casey Baardson,Chaplain

Vern Baardson,Chaplain

Chad Rice,Volunteer Police Explorers Advisor

Shawn O’Donnell,Volunteer Police Explorers Advisor

460.75 TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS

Vern Baardson and Casey Baardson serve as chaplains for the department. The Baardson’s help with several things, from assisting on death notifications to the overall well-being of the department. In 2020, the chaplains donated 226.25 total hours to the department.

Chad Rice and Shawn O’Donnell serve as volunteer advisors for the West Fargo Police Explorers Post #281. Rice and O’Donnell help organize meetings and take photos at events. They also assist in planning and chaperoning the Explorers’ annual competition trip to Rochester, MN. In 2020, these volunteer advisors donated 73 hours to the Police Explorers.

Ron Babb, Carl Glander and Richard Logan serve the department in several ways. They take turns washing cars, bringing cars to the mechanic and completing paperwork. In 2020, these three volunteers donated 161.5 total hours to the department.

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2020 BUDGET

Salaries and benefits ($7,457,756)

Police cruisers and equipment ($373,700)

Technology ($191,700)Rifles and equipment ($147,200)

Gas and oil ($137,700)Prisoner board ($135,000)

Training ($155,000)

$9,060,852 TOTAL BUDGET

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• Bicycle Helmet Awareness• Cops & Kids Shopping Event• Neighborhood Watch Program• Project Lifesaver Program• Car Seat Checks

• Police Explorers Post #281• Red Kettle Salvation Army Bell Ringing• Community Events • Big Brother Big Sisters Event

• Battle of the Badges Blood Drive• Vacation House Watch• No Shave November• Neighborhood Block Party• Pink Patch Project

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS

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The West Fargo Police Department participated in the second annual Battle of the Badges blood drive. This is the second year Team Law won the battle against Team Fire. Even with the blood drive being held during the coronavirus pandemic, there were more than triple the number of donors who came to donate this year compared to last year.

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PINK PATCH PROJECT

In October, the West Fargo Police Department participated in the Pink Patch Project for the third year. The department sold commemorative pink patches to raise money for breast cancer research, prevention, treatment and awareness. A total of $1,000 was raised this year and was donated to the Edith Sanford Breast Center.

$7,974TOTAL RAISED

THROUGH THE PROJECT

17YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

One of our officers favorite roles is engaging and building relationships with the youth. The West Fargo Police Department interacts with youth through special events, department tours, fundraisers and a variety of special programs to encourage safety.

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MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Officers rang bells on Law Enforcement Day with the Red Kettle Campaign.

The Bike Patrol Unit gave away bikes with the El Zagal Shrine Circus. Officers participated in the annual Cops &

Kids shopping event at Walmart.

During the Big Brother Big Sister event, officers showed attendees their patrol cars and gave a department tour.

Our officers go out during community events to provide safety support and engage with attendees.

19POLICE EXPLORERS POST #281

Through West Fargo Police Explorers Post #281, students ages 14 - 21 learn about a career in law enforcement through hands-on training, competition, community engagement, volunteer work and more. Students gain experience in many facets of law enforcement while also learning skills such as leadership, problem solving and effective communication, and build life long friendships.

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The West Fargo Police Department patrol officers respond to major and minor crimes and assist on medical calls. Calls for service range from giving directions to responding to major incidents that caused serious injury or death.

Within the Patrol Division, the officers take on extra responsibilities beyond basic patrol duties. These responsibilities include:

• Alcohol compliance checks• Bike Patrol Unit• Bomb Squad• Defensive tactics• Drug recognition• Peer Assistance Crisis Team• Police Explorers Post #281• Field training• Honor Guard• Internet safety• Internship program• Negotiations• SWAT Team483,921

TOTAL MILES DRIVEN

PATROL DIVISION

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202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009

29,96727,153

26,35323,387

21,17020,743

19,70415,924

11,71111,533 TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE

Lieutenant Adam Gustafson Lieutenant Jason Dura

The Patrol Division saw several changes in 2020. Two additional patrol officers were hired on the team, bringing the force to 67 officers.

The Patrol Division includes two Lieutenants, seven patrol Sergeants, a Truck Regulatory Officer and a civilian Community Service Officer.

The division had a record number of calls for service in 2020. The patrol staff responded to 454 DUI’s, a 37% decrease since 2019.

30,161TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE

30,12230,161

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COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER

Annie Burthold,Community Service Officer

Annie Burthold serves as the Community Service Officer for the West Fargo Police Department. She responds to calls for service including vehicle unlocks, animal calls and parking complaints. She also provides vehicle maintenance and delivers paperwork to government agencies.

This position has evolved over time. Beyond the duties listed, CSO Burthold also completes investigations and reports on animal neglect and provides assistance to other city departments, such as code enforcement, to help make residents aware of city ordinances. She also helps with enforcement of city ordinances.

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Traffic Stats

Citations IssuedArrests

Accidents

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Patrol Stats

17436

334544

18736424647

16046538744

240467541040

16336517716

55601577811

58801883963

54591920930

69661960986

457016481122

Assist Fire Dept. Accident-Injury

Accident-PropertyAnimal Calls

Bicycle FoundDomestic

Found PropertyImpaired Driver

ImpoundJuvenile Complaint

Medical AssistMissing Person

Parking ComplaintPublic Assist

Suspicious Activity

2020 Calls for Service116

295191

231

34222

443288

251

8711

581

ShopliftingTraffic Complaint

Traffic StopVehicle Unlock

VandalismWarrrant-Wanted

Unknown911 Hang Up

TRAFFIC & PATROL STATISTICS

1,037TOTAL ACTIONS

15346

*255454

DUIDUI Refusal

Driving Under SuspensionTotal

52011180746

*Does not include individuals who were cited and released.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER

Between K9 Brewtus, K9 ToSti and K9 Macho, the K9 Division had 220 deployments in 2020, several of which were assisting other regional agencies.

220TOTAL K9 DEPLOYMENTS

K9 DIVISION

K9 MachoHandler: Sergeant Pete NielsenBreed: German ShepherdAge: 4 years oldDeployments: 51

K9 BrewtusHandler: Officer Brock Ackerman

Breed: German ShepherdAge: 4 years oldDeployments: 80

K9 ToStiHandler: Officer Ben OrrBreed: Dutch ShepherdAge: 7 years oldDeployments: 89

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Lieutenant Jason Anderson

ADMINISTRATIVE

Police Records Specialists

The Administrative Division includes a number of civilian employees who perform essential tasks for the department. These civilian employees include two Transcription Specialists, four police Support Specialists, two police Record Specialists, a Business Manager and an Office Supervisor.

Transcription SpecialistsThe two Transcription Specialists work to transcribe digital reports and interviews. They prepare correspondence, proofread, edit, file and input data.

Business ManagerThe Business Manager performs accounting, administrative and clerical operations. This position is responsible for the collection of information for budget requests, tracking of purchases and reporting budget item statuses. The Business Manager also serves as the administrative assistant to the Chief.

Police Support SpecialistsPolice Support Specialists are entrusted with customer service for the department. These four individuals assist the public on the phone and in person with bike licensing, pet licensing, ticket payments, fingerprinting, Vacation House Watch requests, offender registrations, State Teletype System updates and more during open lobby hours.

Office SupervisorThe Office Supervisor is responsible for approving task guidelines, schedules, staff reviews and the supervision and training of support specialists. The Office Supervisor serves as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) validation officer who is responsible for verifying the accuracy of police records in NCIC.

The two police Records Specialists are tasked with conducting criminal background checks, routing reports to various agencies and responding to various open records requests. These individuals determine what information can be released from records in accordance with North Dakota Open Records Law.

Lieutenant Anderson is in charge of the departments’ fleet, equipment and building issues. He is also head of the training division and internal affairs, which handles all complaints, both externally and internally.

External ComplaintsInternal Complaints

Total Complaints

Exonorated Sustained Unfounded TotalInternal Affairs 369

202

055

112

1,184TOTAL FINGERPRINTS

RECORDED

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3,407TOTAL TRAINING HOURS

TRAINING AND SPECIAL PROGRAMSDue to the coronavirus, 2020 was a difficult year for training. Sworn staff recieved 3,407 hours of Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) accredited training, 1,661 hours less than last year. Training consists of defensive tactics, gun range, Taser, domestic violence, investigations, traffic stops, cultural awareness and more. Officers train with hands-on experiences to prepare them for real-world situations.

The West Fargo Crime Free Multi-Housing Program offers training for West Fargo rental property management and staff. After training, the Crime Free Multi-Housing coordinator notifies the trained management when tenants or visitors commit certain offenses on the property. The department also assists rental property management with background checks. In 2020, 30,161 calls for service were reviewed and 1,636 housing incident reports were sent to trained rental management.

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

Offender Registration ProgramThere are currently 49 offenders registered with the West Fargo Police Department. Registered offenders include those who have been convicted of serious sexual crimes or violent offenders that are required to register by North Dakota State Offender Statutes. Since 2009, each sworn officer has at least one registered offender assigned to them to monitor their compliance. Assigned officers provide monthly updates to police Support Specialists who communicate to the state offender registration unit in Bismarck updates to each offender’s file.

In the City of West Fargo, it is a priority to keep our youth safe from online predators. In 2020, the department received eight Internet Crimes Against Children cyber tips. From these tips, the department went on to produce four workable cases. Cyber tips include possession or distribution of child pornography or luring a minor by computer. There was also one proactive case that lead to an arrest of a male attempting to patronize a 10-year-old girl.

Internet Crimes Against Children

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Greg Warren,Lieutenant

In 2020, Lieutenant Greg Warren lead the West Fargo Police Department Investigations Division. The division consists of three Sergeants, five Detectives, a Crime Free Multi-Housing Coordinator and an Evidence Technician. In total, the division was assigned 686 cases with 2,219 pieces of evidence processed.

Detectives assigned to the Investigations Division also work as members of the Cass County Drug Task Force, the Metro-Area Street Crimes Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. Officers assigned to these task forces focus on narcotics, human trafficking and gangs in the metro.

The Investigations Division houses seven West Fargo School District School Resource Officers, a Cultural Liaison officer and manages a number of special programs such as Offender Registration and the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.

686TOTAL INVESTIGATIONS

CASES ASSIGNED

TIP TUESDAY:23 IDENTIFIED OUT OF 37

62% SUCCESS RATE

975TOTAL INVESTIGATIONS

CASES REVIEWED

INVESTIGATIONS

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686TOTAL INVESTIGATIONS

CASES ASSIGNED

BOMB & SWATThe Red River Valley SWAT team is comprised of members from various local agencies. The department currently has four members on the team, with two of the four, serving as team leaders. In 2020, the Red River Valley SWAT team was deployed 14 times. The team spends multiple hours each year training for situations, such as barricaded suspects and active shooter incidents.

The Red River Regional Bomb Squad is a multi-jurisdiction team that assists local law enforcement agencies in the education, location and disposal of all energetic materials. The Bomb Squad is often utilized with the tactical unit and negotions unit on large-scale events where there could be a potential for dangerous materials or explosives. The Bomb Squad has different types of technology that can assist other units, including bomb robots, which are capable of sending real time video and audio to the team.

Red River Valley SWAT Team

Red River Regional Bomb Squad

Suspicious Packages Ammunition Pickup/Disposal

Explosive/IED RecoverySWAT Assists

Chemical CallsHoax Devices

Total Bomb Squad Responses

2020Bomb Squad Summary of Calls

8128321

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MethHeroin

MarijuanaFentanylFirearms

Currency

Cass County Drug Task Force Stats

8,827 grams86 grams

4,487 grams212 grams

15$75,971

Seizures

2,219TOTAL PIECES OF EVIDENCE TAKEN IN BY THE EVIDENCE PROCESSING DEPARTMENT

DRUG STATS AND EVIDENCE PROCESSING

Sari Supler is the Evidence Technician. Under this role, Supler conducts, audits, maintains the flow of evidence, ensures the proper handling of items and processes evidence. In 2020, the evidence processing department took in 2,219 pieces of evidence.

MethHeroin

MarijuanaFentanyl

MushroomsCurrency

WFPD Evidence Room Drug Stats

829.27 grams24.36 grams

1,957.34 grams-

91.83$21,169

Seizures

Sari Supler,Evidence Technician 39

TOTAL GANG ARRESTS

METRO-AREA STREET CRIMES UNIT

29

Gang ArrestsNon-Gang Arrests

Assist ArrestsWritten Search Warrants

Assist Other AgencyTHC Seizures (grams)

Meth Seizures (grams)Marijuana Seizures (grams)

Pill Seizures (grams)Heroin Seizures (grams)

Hard Drug Paraphernalia SeizuresMisdemeanor Paraphernalia Seizures

Cash Seizures ($)Gun/Dangerous Weapon Seizures

Vehicle SeizuresGang Education Presentation Hours

Crime Reduction Details HoursTraining Hours

Unconfirmed Gang ClassificationGang Members Confirmed/Identified

Metro-Area Street Crimes Unit Stats

4196

16710

49001400000531

3916430

11878

949.2136.4

5,238.123,2663.42027

33,87710421

2121719

The West Fargo Police Department participates in the Fargo-Moorhead Metro-Area Street Crimes Unit. This unit is comprised of officers and deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, West Fargo Police Department, Fargo Police Department and Moorhead Police Department. This unit works to identify, track and apprehend gang members and their associates. In 2020, the unit made 203 arrests, 39 of those arrests were confirmed gang members or known associates. The unit also seized thousands of grams of street drugs, from methamphetamines to marijuana. In 2020, the unit conducted 132 search warrants for vehicle GPS tracking, residential buildings, DNA, phones and for persons of interest.

39TOTAL GANG ARRESTS

METRO-AREA STREET CRIMES UNITTotal

6172932010013000012812

37356

5.721.9820.2

02.420

12,73510001894

31219400

134.747002010001000

320092000

316.80090

4,83220003400

423497

4.50.6

655.23300701120122

6131

2050

763282900101100

1202

3204613

34.2136.1

000103200

9311

41069

129073.7

2,7093,157

025

16,3100000610

092

125000000000000200

19082

260

86000401000305

25166002015000000002

Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

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SRO AND CLO PROGRAMSThe West Fargo Police Department (WFPD) has partnered with the West Fargo School District for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program since 2005. The team is made up of seven School Resource Officers and one Cultural Liaison Officer.

The role of an SRO is threefold - educator, informal counselor and law enforcement officer. Each SRO is required to undergo training with the National Association of School Resource Officers. In 2020, the SRO program obtained the SRO Program National Accreditation.

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020SRO Statistics: Total Incidents by School

1332--

5227----------

5145

141543

1925--

171----------

4632

138783

1624--

141534

1423164

2724--

4845

143782

14295-

271476

283813121921--

6456

14910546

6217-

573716

1729191926274-

24432928818210

Early Childhood CenterAurora Elementary

Brooks Harbor ElementaryDeer Creek Elementary

Eastwood ElementaryFreedom ElementaryHarwood Elementary

Horace ElementaryIndependence Elementary

L.E. Berger ElementaryLegacy ElementaryOsgood Elementary

South ElementaryWestside Elementary

Willow Park ElementaryHeritage Middle SchoolCheney Middle School

Liberty Middle School West Fargo High SchoolSheyenne High Hchool

West Fargo Community High

Seven School Resource Officers, one Cultural Liaison Officer, 21 Schools

-237-

642647

12272021333814-

20426731418128

-14155

312211

14386

10253035-

27321036212511

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

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Officer Mark Morris is Sheyenne High School’s SRO.

Officer Trent Stanton is Cheney Middle School’s SRO.

Sergeant Derek Cruff is the Sergeant of the School Resource Program for the West Fargo Police Department.

Officer Rhonda Jorgensen is Liberty Middle School’s SRO.

Officer Jason Balvik is West Fargo High School’s SRO.

Officer Todd Pearson is the SRO of north side elementary schools at West Fargo Public Schools.

Officer Dora Roll is the SRO of south side elementary schools at West Fargo Public Schools.

Officer Sylvie Schweyen is Heritage Middle School’s SRO.

Officer Ryan Feltman is the Cultural Liaison Officer for the West Fargo Police Department.

From left to right: Officers Mark Morris, Derek Cruff, Ryan Feltman, Dora Roll, Todd Pearson, Rhonda Jorgenson, Jason Balvik, Sylvie Schweyen and Trent Stanton.

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The cultural liaison team had the honor to meet with the Police Attache and Police Brigadier General of the Philippines. During the meeting, officers were able to discuss connecting law enforcement with the Filipino community to better serve our residents.

Officer Ryan Feltman is the Cultural Liaison Officer for the West Fargo Police Department. It’s the second year he’s been in this position.

The Cultural Liaison Program is in its second year serving West Fargo residents. The program made several partners within our schools and community and established a working relationship with the Fargo Police Department’s community engagement team. The most important part of the position has been creating, establishing and building relationships between our Black, Indigenous and people of color communities, the City of West Fargo and the West Fargo Police Department.

The Cultural Liaison program offers swimming lessons to New American youth. This program is geared toward teaching basic water survival skills in order to save lives. Transportation to and from the pool was also provided.

CULTURAL LIAISON PROGRAM

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THANK YOU

@WestFargoPolice

Thank you for taking the time to review our 2020 highlights.

We look forward to many great years serving the West Fargo community.

Stay informed and connect with us online at www.westfargopolice.com