During the Monday, March, 15, 2021, City Commission Meeting, Police Chief Denis Otterness presented the West Fargo Police Department 2020 annual report. The report, which covers the department’s accomplishments, vital statistics and state of the department from the past year, displays the department’s success in meeting the needs of the growing community.

Despite an increase in calls for service, there was a 2% decrease in overall crime since 2019 and a 11% decrease in violent crimes since 2019. The decrease in overall crime has contributed to the City earning the title of 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 overall crime rates decrease,” said Otterness. “This is a testament to the continued partnership between the community and members of the police department.” 

Despite working through a global pandemic, the West Fargo Police Department celebrated many accomplishments in 2020. This included hiring a new police chief and safely engaging with the community when possible. Some events that the department participated in included Battle of the Badges, Cops and Kids, bike giveaway and the Big Brother Big Sister event.

To recognize the impact of the coronavirus throughout the community, the department dedicates the 2020 annual report to first responders and health care workers who battled the pandemic courageously, and to the memory of those 443 police officers nationwide who lost the fight against the coronavirus. The West Fargo Police Department would also 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 were fellow officers were fired upon while serving an eviction notice.  

To view the West Fargo Police Department’s 2020 annual report and an in-depth video from Chief Otterness, you can go here.