Red River Valley SWAT team to conduct daylong training exercises in Fargo neighborhoods
Fargo, North Dakota – Residents in parts of Fargo may notice an increased law enforcement presence on Thursday as the Red River Valley SWAT Team prepares to carry out a scheduled training exercise in two locations across the city.
Officials announced that the training activities will take place Thursday, March 5, and are expected to run from noon until 9 p.m. The exercises will occur in two separate areas at different times during the day.
According to the announcement, the first portion of the training will be held in the 1100 block of 2nd Avenue South from noon until 4 p.m. Later in the evening, the training operation will move to the 400 block of 3rd Avenue North, where exercises will continue from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Residents may notice law enforcement activity during training
During the training sessions, residents and businesses in the surrounding areas may see several SWAT officers conducting tactical drills around buildings and nearby streets.
Officials warned that SWAT team members may be seen carrying firearms and moving around the exterior of a building as part of the exercise. However, authorities emphasized that the activity is strictly controlled and does not involve any live ammunition.
Authorities also stated that no live rounds will be used during the training exercise, ensuring that the drills remain safe for both officers and nearby residents.
Because the training simulates real-world scenarios, people nearby may hear loud sounds during the operation. Officials noted that the public can expect to hear loud noises and yelling in the area while officers carry out their exercises.
In addition, residents may see several SWAT vehicles with activated emergency lights stationed in the training zones.
Despite the heavy law enforcement presence, officials stressed that there is no cause for concern.
Authorities reassured residents that there is no safety concern for the public or surrounding area and that the activity is part of a routine training program designed to help officers maintain readiness for emergency situations.
The exercise will be conducted as a closed training event, meaning it will not be open to spectators.
Officials confirmed that the event is not open to members of the media or the general public, and residents are asked not to approach officers or attempt to enter the training areas.
However, community members who have concerns or questions about the activity are encouraged to contact local authorities. Residents can call the Red River Regional Dispatch Center at 701.451.7660 and request to speak with one of the training facilitators at the training site.
Law enforcement leaders say exercises like these are essential for ensuring that SWAT teams remain prepared to respond quickly and effectively to critical incidents across the region.
