A Q&A with Chief of Police David Zibolski
Q: How would you describe the culture of the Fargo Police Department to someone considering a career here?
A: The culture at The Fargo Police Department (FPD) is built on strong relationships with each other and with the community we serve. Employees are committed to professionalism and earning community trust through guardianship, accountability, and consistent service. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork and looking out for one another, recognizing that policing is not just a job but a shared responsibility that extends beyond the badge.
The FPD also values wellness and family, understanding that healthy employees are essential to effective public safety. Our department fosters a supportive environment where staff feel connected, respected, and encouraged to take care of themselves and their families while serving the community with pride and purpose.
Q: What core values guide officers and staff in their day-to-day work?
A: The Fargo Police Department’s core values were developed by employees through the department’s Vision, Mission, and Values Committee and serve as the foundation for everything we do. Officers and staff strive to be fair and accountable in their decision-making, ensuring consistency, transparency, and trust. Respect guides how we treat community members and one another, while guardianship reflects our commitment to protecting life and serving the community with care and responsibility. Officer wellness is recognized as essential to effective policing, reinforcing the importance of physical, mental, and emotional health. We also hold ourselves to the highest standards of being professional and diverse, valuing integrity, excellence, and the perspectives that strengthen both our organization and the community we serve.
Q; What opportunities are available for officers to grow and advance throughout their careers?
A: The Fargo Police Department offers extensive opportunities for professional growth, specialization, and promotion for both sworn and civilian employees. Officers can pursue a wide range of specialized assignments, including on the Crowd Management Team, Honor Guard, Traffic Safety Team, K-9 Unit, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Community Engagement Team, and training roles. For those interested in investigative work, opportunities exist as detectives or investigators within units such as Adult Violent Crimes, Adult Sexual Assault, Property Crimes, Crimes Against Children, Metro Area Street Crimes, Intelligence and Analysis, and the Cass County Drug Task Force.
The FPD also provides clear promotional pathways to leadership positions, including Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. Civilian staff are equally supported through professional development opportunities, specialized training, and pathways for growth within their respective roles. The department strongly encourages continued education, advanced certifications, and leadership development, empowering all employees to build diverse, rewarding careers that evolve alongside their interests, skills, and professional goals.
Q: How would you describe the leadership style within the Fardo Police Department?
A: Leadership at The Fargo Police Department is grounded in communication, accountability, and growth. Leaders place an emphasis on listening to employees at all levels and maintaining an environment where dialogue and feedback are encouraged. There is a shared expectation that leaders remain accessible, transparent, and willing to engage in meaningful conversations.
FPD leadership also focuses on developing people, not only as employees but as future leaders. By holding one another accountable and supporting professional development, leaders work to ensure individuals have the tools, guidance, and support needed to grow, contribute, and succeed throughout their careers.
Q: In what ways do leaders support officers both professionally and personally?
A: Department leaders at The Fargo Police Department place a strong emphasis on professional development by supporting a wide range of training opportunities both internally and externally. Employees are encouraged to continue learning, develop new skills, and pursue growth that strengthens them in their current roles while preparing them for future leadership opportunities.
Leaders also recognize that policing can be challenging and stressful, making officer wellness and work-life balance essential to long-term success. Through the use of a 10-hour shift model and by encouraging wellness and peer support resources, the department works to support employees as people first, understanding that a healthy and balanced life is key to being an effective police officer in Fargo.
QL How does the department balance enforcement with community engagement and relationship – building?
A: The Fargo Police Department believes that strong relationships and community engagement are at the heart of effective policing in Fargo. Officers work closely with residents through community meetings, meeting people where they are, and engage with neighborhoods, neighborhood associations, and local businesses to address concerns. The department also collaborates with city leaders, elected officials, and community partners, and actively hosts and participates in community events across Fargo.
While enforcement remains an important responsibility, FPD emphasizes communication, problem-solving, and daily interactions as essential tools for building meaningful relationships to enact change. By working alongside the community, the department ensures that public safety is a shared effort grounded in trust, respect, and collaboration.
Q: What resources or programs are in place to support officer wellness and mental healt?
A: At the Fargo Police Department, wellness is a top priority because resilient officers create safer, stronger communities. We support the physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual health of every team member, and foster a culture where seeking help is encouraged, not stigmatized.
From day one, employees have access to confidential mental health services, peer support programs, and guidance from our Health & Wellness Coordinator. Many programs also include support for spouses and loved ones, recognizing that healthy families help build healthy officers. Wellness isn’t just a program; it’s how we operate. From leadership to recruits, everyone plays a role in creating a supportive, resilient department. Through ongoing training, national partnerships, and open communication, the FPD ensures officers are equipped to navigate the challenges of policing and thrive both on and off the job.
Q: How does the department help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A: The Fargo Police Department understands that a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. Through fair scheduling, including a 10-hour shift model, paid leave, wellness programs, and flexibility, when possible, employees are supported in balancing the demands of policing with family and personal life. Employees are encouraged to take time to recharge and prioritize their families, knowing that balance at home helps them perform at their best. By fostering a culture that values personal wellbeing alongside the demands of shift work, the FPD can help employees build sustainable, fulfilling careers with our agency.
Q: What excites you most about the department’s future?
A: What excites us most about the future of The Fargo Police Department is the combination of innovation, community support, and opportunity. With the recently renewed 10-year Axon contract, we are expanding our use of technology in bold new ways, including the use of the Drone as a First Responder Program that allows our team to respond faster and safer to incidents. We also continue to enhance our new RealTime Crime Center to support investigations and officers in the field, giving our team tools to be more effective than ever.
At the same time, strong community support and the new public safety sales tax are fueling growth, creating new positions and staffing opportunities that allow the next generation of officers and civilian employees to build meaningful, fulfilling careers in our agency. The FPD is focused on developing a skilled, adaptable team while staying rooted in its core values that define policing in Fargo. The future is full of opportunity, innovation, and ways to serve our community with excellence.
Q: What is the department hiring for in 2026?
A: The Fargo Police Department is hiring for our Fargo Police Academy, beginning in July 2026. We are seeking individuals who want to be part of something bigger than themselves, who understand their why, are passionate about learning and growth, and are willing to put in the work to make a meaningful difference in their community.
Recruits are hired on day one of the academy and earn a starting wage of $31.97 per hour, while receiving high-quality training, mentorship, and support directly from Fargo Police Officers. The Fargo Police Academy prepares recruits not only for a career in policing, but for a lifetime of service, leadership, and community impact.
Minimum qualifications include:
- Minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter credits of post-high school education from an accredited college, university, or technical school, Or at least four years of full-time active-duty military service with an Honorable Discharge
- 21 years old upon completion of the Fargo Police Academy
- United States citizen
- No prior felony convictions
- Misdemeanor offenses and juvenile records are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
- Successful completion of required pre-employment assessments and testing
- Ability to pass the Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT)
- Obtaining a North Dakota peace officer license upon completion of the academy (which our team prepares you for)
If you are driven to serve, ready to work hard, and motivated to help build safer, stronger communities, the Fargo Police Department invites you to take the next step. Learn more and connect with a recruiter at JoinFargoPD.com.
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