Share on LinkedIn

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Fargo Black Lives Matter activist Faith Dixon, raised concerns Thursday night at the Police Advisory and Oversight Board, regarding her May 2023 detainment in downtown Fargo.

Fargo Police say they detained Dixon because she was accused of being involved in an assault. Dixon says that detainment left her with pain and bruising to her wrist, and a lot of trauma.

Lt. Joel Erickson addressed the board Thursday night saying that the Professional Accountability Unit received complaints from Dixon and her husband to be investigated in February of 2024, pertaining towards the May detainment. Dixon told the board that it took several months to file a complaint, because she was in communication with her lawyer and she was not permitted to talk about it.

The complaints filed say that Dixon was unlawfully detained, officers used unreasonable force on her while grabbing her wrist, and broke her apple watch. Dixon submitted pictures to the Police Advisory and Oversight Board of her bruised wrists.

“I have no respect for the Fargo Police Department, as of May of last year” Dixon said. “That went down the drain when they put their hands on me for no apparent reason.” Dixon added.

Lt. Erickson says on May 4th, 2023, they were called to the 400 block of Broadway in downtown Fargo for a reported disturbance. It was reported to officers that 6 people were involved in the disturbance and that one person may have had a gun.

Police say a woman reported to them that Dixon had assaulted her, causing her injuries. Lt. Erickson says at this point, Dixon was detained with two sets of handcuffs. The woman later recanted her statement made to police and Dixon was free to go.

Dixon’s complaint detailed several policy violations within the Fargo Police Department. Lt. Erickson agreed, and told the board Thursday night that the arresting officer, Tyler Pool had violated the department’s policy on detainment and handcuffing.

“In this instance, there was no necessity to hand-cuff her (Dixon) whatsoever,” Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski said. “She could have been detained without the use of cuffs,” Chief Zibolski added.

Per policy 419, individuals who are being temporarily detained, may be placed in handcuffs only under specific circumstances. Lt. Erickson detailed these circumstances as the following:

- If the individual is verbally or physically uncooperative and fails to follow officer directions

- If the individual continues to place their hands in their pockets

- If multiple people are involved and police need to establish who the victim(s) and/or suspect(s) are.

Chief Zibolski says Dixon was not being combative, or uncooperative during the detainment process. The conclusion given in Thursday night’s meeting was that officer Pool was given an oral reprimand and a training and policy review.

“I’m very disturbed,” said Terry Hogan, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director. “Do you think she was handcuffed just because she’s Faith Dixon?” Hogan questioned in Thursday night’s meeting.

Board member Lucrachia King echoed Hogan’s concerns, “I’m having a big issue, with how much damage an officer can do to innocent civilians, by using substantial force, civilians can be arrested, they can be jailed and no one loses their job.” King said. “There is an issue with-in Fargo PD with use-of-force. Unfortunately, most of the cases are with persons of color,” King added.

Dixon says she would like a public apology from the Fargo Police Department and justice.