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Fargo library switches security vendor; director reports early improvements, higher cost
Summary
Library has contracted Signal of North Dakota for security, effective Jan. 1; director reported better management engagement and body cameras for guards but said societal challenges persist and the new firm is significantly more expensive.
The Fargo Public Library switched security contractors to Signal of North Dakota effective Jan. 1, the board heard at its March meeting.
The library director told the board Signal's management has been more engaged and the guards' overall quality appears improved, though the director said outcomes still depend on individual guards. "The manager reached out, and he wants to meet with me every couple weeks, which is good to have that communication," the director said. The director added that guards now wear body cameras, which staff view as helpful for incident identification.
Board members asked about staffing levels and technology. The director said the typical on-site staffing level is one guard and that the new contract is "significantly more expensive" than the prior arrangement. The director described regular communication with the Fargo Police Department for assistance and identification when incidents occur.
The director said the underlying community challenges that bring disruptive behavior into the library remain, and that while the library has slightly better resources under the new firm, a more proactive community-level approach would be preferable. No board vote was required for the update; the item was presented for information.
