Enforcement of underage drinking laws, a new dispatch center and terrorism-related preparedness marked highlights of 2001 for the Fargo Police Department, a new report states.
The department's annual report, released Thursday, also shows a slight upturn in major crimes for 2001, with a 3.7 percent increase over the previous year.
"Our crime rates have stayed pretty stable in a city that continues to grow in population," Deputy Chief Dave Rogness said.
While the number of felonies rose in 2001, crime numbers were still below those averaged in the 1990s. The annual average for the decade was 3,473 felony crimes. Last year, police report there were 3,206 felony crimes.
"Across the board, Fargo is a safer place than it was 10, 12 or 15 years ago," Rogness said.
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The report shows the department addressed several initiatives regarding terrorism response, underage drinking, hiring officers and a central dispatch center for local law enforcement agencies.
"It's certainly been an unusually challenging year," Chief Chris Magnus said. "I really think we're meeting that challenge pretty well.
"Since Sept. 11, I think we're in a lot better position to deal with emergencies, manmade or natural disasters."
The department purchased thousands of dollars in equipment for emergency preparedness in wake of the terrorist attacks. Regional emergency agencies also developed a policy to handle anthrax threats and plans for an Emergency Operations Center for times of crisis.
Last year, police , in corrobation with Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, N.D., initiated the development of a basic training academy to meet recruiting and training needs in the department. The academy's initial class begins next month.
Magnus said one of the Police Department's biggest accomplishments was aiding the development of the nation's first dispatch center to cross state lines. The center, expected to open later this year, will handle calls from Fargo, Moorhead, Cass and Clay counties and F-M Ambulance.
The police chief also said underage drinking will continue to be addressed, but Fargo's handling of the issue shows progress.
Last year, police officers made 345 arrests for minor in possession or consumption and 29 loud party arrests.
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"We're trying to take a consistent, predictable strategy toward underage drinking," Magnus said. "I think we're making some progress on this issue."
He also notes that many of Fargo's major crimes involve substance use or abuse.
Felony crime statistics show an increase in sex crimes, from 63 in 2000 to 70 in 2001. The number has doubled since 1997.
"It highlights the need for continued work in areas we're giving attention to," Magnus said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Steven P. Wagner at (701) 241-5542
