File Civil Rights or Hate Crime Complaint - Fargo

Civil Rights and Equity North Dakota 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of North Dakota

In Fargo, North Dakota, residents and visitors can report alleged civil rights violations and hate crimes to city authorities and the police. This guide explains where to file complaints, what departments enforce local rules, and practical next steps for reporting incidents, preserving evidence, and asking for review. It covers municipal code references, which offices to contact, typical outcomes, and how to appeal or seek further remedies.

Report threats and violent acts to police immediately; non-urgent discrimination complaints can follow administrative routes.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for hate crimes and civil-rights-related complaints in Fargo involves both criminal investigation by the Fargo Police Department and administrative or community processes through city bodies such as the Human Relations Commission or equivalent complaint offices. Criminal penalties for hate-motivated offenses are governed by state law and prosecuted by criminal authorities; municipal code may provide remedies for certain local ordinance violations.[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited city pages; criminal cases follow state statute penalties.[3]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease discriminatory practices, administrative remedies, referrals to prosecution, and court actions are possible.
  • Enforcers: Fargo Police Department handles criminal reports; the City Human Relations Commission or designated office receives civil discrimination complaints.[1]
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: file a police report for criminal incidents; submit a written complaint to the city office designated for civil-rights complaints.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes generally include administrative review or court challenge; specific time limits are not specified on the cited city pages.
  • Defences and discretion: city officials may consider permits, authorized activity, or lack of intent; criminal defenses follow state law.
If immediate danger exists, call 911 for an urgent police response.

Applications & Forms

The City of Fargo provides information on complaint submission and boards that review complaints; a specific standardized complaint form is not specified on the cited page. Contact the Human Relations Commission or the city clerk for the current submission method and any form names or PDFs.[1]

How to Report in Fargo

Follow these steps to report a civil-rights complaint or a hate crime in Fargo: preserve evidence, document dates and witnesses, choose the correct reporting route (police vs. administrative), and keep copies of all filings.

  1. Preserve evidence: save messages, photos, video, and witness contact details.
  2. For crimes or threats, call 911 or contact the Fargo Police Department to file a police report.[2]
  3. For civil-rights or discrimination complaints, submit a written complaint to the City Human Relations Commission or designated office; request confirmation of receipt.
  4. Seek follow-up: ask about investigation timelines, enforcement options, and appeal procedures.
  5. Consider legal counsel or advocacy organizations if you need representation or broader remedies.
Documenting dates and witnesses sharply improves investigatory outcomes.

Common Violations

  • Hate-motivated assault or threats—criminal investigation and possible prosecution.
  • Discriminatory denial of services or housing—administrative complaint and remedial orders.
  • Harassment in workplaces or public accommodations—reporting may trigger city review or referral to state agencies.

FAQ

Who investigates hate crime reports in Fargo?
The Fargo Police Department investigates criminal hate-motivated incidents; administrative complaints may be handled by the City Human Relations Commission or similar city office.
Can I file a complaint anonymously?
Anonymous tips to police are possible, but formal complaints and investigations usually require contact information for follow-up and evidence gathering.
How long does an investigation take?
Investigation timelines vary by complexity; the cited city pages do not specify standard timeframes.

How-To

  1. Collect and preserve all evidence and witness contact information.
  2. If the incident is a crime or threat, call 911 and file a police report with the Fargo Police Department.[2]
  3. For non-criminal discrimination, submit a written complaint to the City Human Relations Commission or the city office listed for civil-rights complaints.[1]
  4. Request written confirmation, track case numbers, and ask about appeal or review options.
Keep copies of every document and note dates of all communications.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 911 for threats or violent crimes.
  • Use the City Human Relations Commission for administrative discrimination complaints.
  • Preserve evidence and request written confirmations for every filing.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Fargo Human Relations Commission
  2. [2] Fargo Police Department
  3. [3] Fargo Code of Ordinances - Municode

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