Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski resigns amid leadership controversies

Years of internal strife and public scrutiny culminate in a sudden exit. Can Fargo's police force rebuild trust under new leadership?

, and Administrator

2026 March 16 . 7:07 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of police officers standing in front of a crowd of people wearing uniforms,... — The image shows a group of police officers standing in front of a crowd of people wearing uniforms, caps, and masks. There is a ribbon in the foreground and vehicles on the left side of the image. In the background, there are buildings, trees, light poles, sign boards, and a bridge with railings. The scene is likely the aftermath of a Hong Kong protest, as the police have been arrested after a man was shot and killed.

Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski resigns amid leadership controversies

Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski has stepped down after more than five years in the role. His retirement follows a series of performance reviews and disciplinary actions, including a formal reprimand for his behaviour at a press conference last summer.

Zibolski took charge of the Fargo Police Department in late 2020. By 2022, concerns over staffing shortages, communication problems, and low morale led to his first performance improvement plan. The department required changes in his leadership approach.

In August 2025, he received a written warning for his conduct during a media briefing. Two months later, officials placed him on a 90-day plan to address his interactions with the press and the public. On March 10, 2026, Zibolski announced his retirement, effective March 27. An interim chief will take over on March 30 while the city searches for a permanent replacement.

The department now faces a leadership transition after years of internal challenges. City officials will need to address ongoing concerns about staffing and morale as they select a new chief. The interim appointment is expected to provide stability during the search process.