Description

Chief of Police

The City of Fargo, ND is seeking an experienced law enforcement administrator and innovative leader with an exceptional record of community engagement and progressive management experience for the position of Police Chief.  The Fargo Police Department is a progressive department consisting of 201 sworn officers and 31 civilian employees. In 2025, the Fargo Police Department responded to  99,778 calls for service over 50.8  square miles. With a focus on community engagement and prevention, the department has developed numerous programs and services. 

The City of Fargo is the largest city in the State of North Dakota, accounting for nearly 17% of the state’s population. Fargo is also the county seat of Cass County. According to the 2020 United States Census estimate, Fargo’s population is approximately 125,990.  The greater Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area population is more than  269,000. Forbes magazine ranked Fargo second as the best place for small businesses and careers in the United States.

Responsibilities of the Chief of Police include leading and directing all police operations/services; establishing clear goals and objectives; directing budget preparation for the department; engaging and fostering positive employee relations; and representing the Police Department at City Commission meetings and to the public.  The Police Chief serves as the department head for the Police Department and reports to the City Administrator and a liaison City Commissioner.  

Minimum Qualifications

The job requires a bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, police science or a related field and ten or more years of progressively responsible police experience, with four or more years of command staff level experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.  A master’s degree and/or major command academy (such as FBI National Academy) is preferred.  A valid State of North Dakota peace officer license must be acquired upon hire and a valid driver’s license is also required. 

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range:  $155,043 to $201,531.  Excellent benefit package to include a defined benefit pension plan.

Application Information and Deadline and Conditional Offer Requirements

For a complete job description and to apply for the position, go to http://fargond.gov/apply. Your application must include a letter of application, resume, and three professional references no later than April 28.  Upon conditional offer, candidates are subject to background investigation, drug screen and other screening requirements to be determined.

Call Camila Van Dyke at 701-476-4125 with questions.  For more information about the City of Fargo and the Fargo Police Department, visit our website at www.FargoND.gov.   EOE