"We'll move past this": Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski talks on improvement plans and more

Courtesy of: Fargo Police Department
Courtesy of: Fargo Police Department

(Fargo, ND) -- On the heels of Fargo's City Commission Meeting, the head of the police department seemed positive about the signals coming from city officials. 

Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski commented on the matter, he is more than willing to work with the city commission. "The commission is doing its due diligence to make sure that the department operations are being done properly - that I'm doing my job, and I certainly don't have an issue with that. I appreciate their diligence, inquiries and their willingness to learn about department operations."

The Fargo City Commission voted 4-1 on Monday to draft an improvement contract with Zibolski. The contract would look to upgrade officer working conditions and benefits, like expanding officer wellness programs surrounding mental and physical health. Other items in the contract include an online reporting option for minor crimes, fixing staffing issues within the department, and improving engagement with city residents and community members. 

The contract is expected to be written within the next six months, but Zibolski says city officials and the police department are working right now to get a document completed. "We are trying to do the strategic plan now so that we can identify - not just in the short term - but three to five years out and create a bonafide roadmap for our department."

Zibolski also encourages members of the community to read the publicly available exit interviews. "You'll find that a vast majority of the comments have to do with what two people had to say."

You can read more about the accusations against Zibolski, the worker shortage within the police department, and more here

Original Air Date: 
Wednesday, January 26, 2022