In light of recent events, we’d like to take a moment to answer some of the questions we’ve been receiving through various platforms. As this is ongoing, please understand that there is certain information we cannot disclose; doing so could compromise investigations.

These past months, there has been an uptick in criminal activity that, in several cases, appears to originate from a specific group of individuals. These individuals are choosing to engage in targeted violence directed toward one another. This violence cannot and will not be tolerated in Fort Dodge and is made more concerning due to the involvement of some of our community’s youth.

This brings us to the question many have asked — what is the city doing? The Fort Dodge Police Department will continue to proactively police Fort Dodge and incur additional overtime costs to bring in officers as necessary. They will continue to engage the resources available to them — the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa State Patrol, Webster County Sheriff’s Office and the Webster County Attorney’s Office — to assist in investigating these senseless crimes. City leaders continue to work closely with community partners to engage residents, identify solutions and seek ways to improve our community. Fort Dodge is a safe community; we can’t let the actions of a few define who we are.

Here’s where you come in. What can you do? Simply put, community involvement is critical. If you see something, say something to the appropriate authorities. If you have relevant information, it’s imperative that you contact the FDPD. Please register if you have security cameras at your home or business and haven’t signed up to participate in the Community Camera Project. If something were to happen in your neighborhood, this allows officers to reach out and see if you may have captured something that will help them in their investigation. If you’re a business owner and don’t have a video surveillance system but are considering one, reach out to discuss a potential partnership with the city’s camera system.

If you are a gun owner, you can make your home and community safer by storing guns securely if you aren’t already doing so. Please keep a record of the serial numbers of any firearms you own. If you discover a gun has been lost or stolen, report it immediately to the police. In the event a firearm is recovered, providing the serial number at the time of report helps the Police Department in their investigations and may lead to additional charges for offenders.

Let’s work as a team and show those who choose to involve themselves in this senseless violence that we won’t tolerate their behaviors. We are so much stronger when we work together as a community. Let’s do that now.

Mayor Matt Bemrich

City Manager David Fierke

Fort Dodge Police Chief Dennis Quinn