Job Details

Overview

We are now accepting applications for Police Recruits for the January 2026 Police Academy. To be considered for this session, applications must be received by November 1, 2025. Submissions received after this date will be reviewed for a future academy class.

Police Officers perform general policing functions intended to ensure the safety and security of lives and property within the City. Activities include patrol, traffic enforcement, and investigative duties. Officers work under general supervision of a Sergeant and are assigned to a particular area of the City. Officers may be assigned to special activities or projects on an on-going or short-term basis (e.g., crime prevention, investigations, school resource officer, etc.). The work involves considerable risk to personal safety and requires quick decision making. While much of this work is performed independently, incumbents draw upon training and department guidelines, mandates, and laws governing response and conduct. Officers are subject to callback at most times and may respond to situations outside Fargo and across state lines for mutual aid.

Special Assignment: Police Recruit

This position is an entry-level, non-sworn position in the Police Department. The Police Recruit participates in the Fargo Police Academy and is expected to successfully complete the Academy as prescribed by the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board. Upon successful completion, the candidate will become a sworn Police Officer.

Special Assignment Minimum Qualifications

The applicant must be at least 21 years old or will be 21 years old during the period of evaluation for the Police Recruit position. The job requires a minimum of fifty semester hours or seventy-five quarter credits of post-high school education at an accredited college, university, or technical school to perform the essential duties. Trainee must have the required 60 semester hours or ninety quarter credits by the end of the Academy. Military service may be used in lieu of the education requirement. To qualify, the applicant must have completed at least four years of full-time active-duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an Honorable Discharge. Acceptable documentation includes a DD Form 214 (Member 4 copy) verifying both the length of active service and the character of discharge.

The applicant is required to pass pre-employment assessments and tests. The Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) must be successfully completed by the completion of the Police Academy. A valid State of North Dakota peace officer license must be acquired upon completion of the police academy or as determined by the department and a valid drivers license is also required.

Assignment to this entry-level non-sworn position is temporary. Failure to successfully complete the police academy and all required assessments will result in termination from City of Fargo employment.

Special Assignment Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Successfully graduate from the Fargo Police Academy;
• Meet all the academic and physical training programs mandated by the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board;
• Learns basic principles of patrol procedures and criminal investigation;
• Participates in firearm training and defensive tactics;
• Drives a variety of police vehicles under various training conditions.

Special Assignment Physical Demands & Working Conditions

All the physical demands and working conditions of a patrol officer apply within this assignment.

Scope of Responsibility for Sworn Police Officer

The Police Officer works under general supervision of a Sergeant, who is often not immediately present during events but is typically available by electronic communications. Work involves taking action in situations with quick responses and potential risk of harm to persons or property. Responsible for all equipment issued, in accordance with Police Department policy and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities for Sworn Police Officer

• Assigned to a designated area of the City to enforce all laws and regulations, provide security, detect violators, and develop positive relationships with residents, businesses, schools, and students in assigned neighborhoods. Coordinates services of different governmental and private agencies to resolve identified problems.
• Discourages violations by being visible and present in the community;
• Observes unusual activity; intervenes to prevent violations;
• Issues warnings or citations for violations both criminal and non-criminal;
• Detains and conducts interviews and arrests of persons violating the law as indicated by the offense and policy;
• Enforces traffic laws; operates radar or other speed measuring devices;
• Administers tests and transports intoxicated persons to jail or a detox facility or designated facility for blood tests;
• Observes drivers and vehicles and intervenes as necessary to correct illegal or unsafe conditions;
• Conducts periodic security checks of businesses and facilities;
• Receives, prioritizes, and responds to non-emergency calls;
• Responds to complaints, accidents, disturbances and/or requests for police assistance;
• Assesses each situation and determines the most appropriate response to prevent dangerous or violent situations;
• Responds to emergencies and performs tasks to secure the scene and assist other personnel;
• Provides first aid until medical personnel are available;
• Handles crowd control, directs traffic, escorts emergency vehicles, and secures routes;
• Preserves and/or collects evidence and maintains chain-of-custody;
• Conducts investigations, interviews witnesses and victims, and coordinates with investigators;
• Develops and conducts crime prevention activities in assigned neighborhoods;
• Maintains records and prepares reports; testifies in court as needed;
• Maintains firearms and equipment; attends required training and certifications;
• Performs duties in compliance with safety guidelines and follows department and city policies;
• Maintains professional communication and teamwork with others; represents the department in the community;
• Performs other duties and special assignments as required.

For a complete job description including addendums related to lateral assignments, please contact Human Resources at ...@FargoND.gov.

The job requires the following: sixty semester or ninety quarter credits of post-high school education; completion of four years of active-duty U.S. Armed Forces with Honorable Discharge; passing pre-employment assessments; MPAT by academy completion; a North Dakota peace officer license on hire or as determined by the department; and a valid drivers license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current police procedures and techniques and their application;
• Knowledge of basic first aid/life saving techniques;
• Knowledge of principles of investigation;
• Knowledge of city ordinances, state and federal laws, regulations and codes relating to law enforcement and criminal law;
• Specialized certification may be required for specialized areas (e.g., State Firearms Certification);
• Skill in operation and maintenance of weaponry/equipment and in-service firearms training;
• Basic computer skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and maintain public relations;
• Ability to work independently and manage time;
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Most time is spent in the field on patrol. Incumbent may carry a firearm, wear protective body armor, and be exposed to injury, trauma, pathogens, traffic accidents, and adverse conditions. Must meet P.O.S.T. requirements to qualify and maintain status as a licensed peace officer. Heavy work includes climbing ladders, lifting requirements, and carrying equipment; ability to perform various physical activities (climbing, balancing, stooping, etc.).

Must be able to meet the physical demands of the North Dakota Peace Officer Training Board to qualify and maintain licensure.

This description does not create an employment contract and is subject to modification. This is an at-will position. The City Administrator may add or change duties at any time.

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