The Fargo Police Department is reconstituting a Traffic Safety Unit to increase enforcement of driving laws and make streets safer for all residents across the community. The Traffic Safety Unit will consist of six Fargo Police Officers and is expected to have a visible presence in the community beginning in the fall of 2024.
“The Fargo Police Department and members of the community have shared ongoing concerns related to illegal driving behaviors and, as a result, the dangers posed to the public. In order to address these concerns, the FPD applied for a federal grant to facilitate the addition of the Traffic Safety Unit. These officers will focus on creating safer roadways for the public, which includes motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. It truly will impact our entire community; this is a great addition to our department,” stated Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney.
A $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will assist with the expense of the salary and benefits of the six officers over a three-year period with The City of Fargo being responsible for the remainder. These positions will be added to the current team of sworn FPD officers.
The Fargo Police Department’s Neighborhood Services Division currently works to enforce driving laws by conducting traffic enforcement details as time allows, while also responding to high volumes of calls for service. The creation of a Traffic Safety Unit will allow the FPD to consistently enforce traffic laws throughout the community.
Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski remarked “The long-term strategy for the Traffic Safety Unit is to help reduce dangerous driving behaviors and increase public safety in our community. The unit will strive to proactively enforce traffic laws, educate the public to deter violations, utilize data to prevent traffic crashes and reduce impaired driving. The Traffic Safety Unit will also proactively engage with the public by educating community members by providing updates at public meetings and through our social media and website.”
The reconstitution of the Traffic Safety Unit is a positive step forward for the Fargo community. The dedicated officers of the unit will work to make the streets safer for everyone.
