The safety of the NDSU community is paramount. While our focus has always been on our campus, we have, in cooperation with the Fargo Police Department, always provided additional protection around the campus. A major research university creates a unique environment, which isn’t limited to its formal campus. Given the large number of students, many who live in neighborhoods around NDSU, a dedicated police force familiar with the campus community is advantageous for public safety. Such arrangements are common in most large universities around the nation and are widely recognized as beneficial to both the campus and the community.
However, the North Dakota Supreme Court recently came out with a decision that reduces NDSU’s police jurisdiction to its “institution.” NDSU continues to work with the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office to determine the appropriate parameters of its jurisdiction because of this decision.
We also note there has been some concern regarding the revenue stream from citations issued by the NDSU Police. We utilize both the municipal ordinances and state law when citing violations. Municipal ordinances are used for lower-level offenses and those cases are heard in Fargo Municipal Court. The municipal court is responsible for imposing the fine. NDSU receives no revenue from the citations. We are seeking clarification from the Attorney General on this issue as well.