2022 Cass County Sheriff's Office Annual Report | North Dakota

Sheriff Jesse Jahner
JESSE F. JAHNER
CASS COUNTY SHERIFF
Sheriff Jahner was elected as Cass County Sheriff in 2019. Sheriff Jahner began his
employment with the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office in May of 1998 as a Correctional
Officer. During his time at the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office, he has worked as a Patrol
Deputy, Narcotics Detective assigned to the Cass County Drug Task Force, Sergeant
overseeing Patrol and Investigations, Department Training Sergeant, and has supervised
the Metro Area Street Crimes Unit. In 2008 and 2009, Sheriff Jahner worked for the Sturgis
Police Department during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Sheriff Jahner was promoted to
Captain in August 2016 and supervised the Field Services Division, which included patrol,
emergency preparedness, school resource program, street crimes, fugitive recovery, public
information officer, department training, and special operations. Sheriff Jahner also
served with the Red River Valley SWAT Team for 17 years as an operator, team leader,
and assistant commander. During his time with Red River Valley SWAT, Sheriff Jahner
supervised swat operators during several barricaded gunmen situations. In 2009, 2011,
and 2019 Cass County experienced major flooding. During these floods, Sheriff Jahner
acted as search and rescue commander supervising air-boat rescue teams.
Sheriff Jahner is a nationally certified Police Instructor and has provided over 2200 hours of
Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (POST) certified training hours to
officers in North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Sheriff Jahner
has received over 3,000 hours of specialized training and holds
several instructor certifications to include Less Lethal
and Chemical
Munitions Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Taser
Instructor,
Use of Force Instructor, Emergency Vehicle Operations
Instructor,
and Defensive Tactics Instructor, and taught a 40-hour
Basic SWAT
Course from 2008 to 2018. In 2017 Sheriff Jahner was
appointed to
the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board by
the North Dakota Attorney General and serves
as a board member overseeing Peace Officer
Standards and Training for the State of North
Dakota. In 2020 Sheriff Jahner was selected
to serve on the Crime Victim Services
Board and serves as the Dakota Territories
Sheriff ’s Association President. Sheriff
Jahner is a graduate of the Department
of Homeland Security’s Leadership
Academy, Federal Bureau of
Investigations Supervisor Leadership,
Command Leadership, Executive
Leadership Courses and is a graduate
of the National Staff and Command
College Leadership Course.
MESSAGE FROM YOUR
SHERIFF
As your elected Sheriff, I am
honored to present the 2022 Cass
County Sheriff ’s Office Annual Report.
As I start my second term in office, I would like to reflect
on some new initiatives our office embarked on in my first
term. My staff and I have led through some challenging
times for the past four years. We have worked through a
pandemic, times of civil unrest, nationwide challenges for
recruiting/retention of Law Enforcement Officers, and flooding. Through all of these, we
continue to remain forward-thinking and adapt to these challenges.
We have continued to add additional training to provide a high level of public safety. We
have worked to earn your trust by building strong community partnerships while remaining
transparent. We have trained with our rural first responders, schools, and businesses to
help prepare for critical incident response.
Our office has worked diligently on recruitment and retention strategies over the past year.
I have worked with our commissioners to look for ways to increase pay and benefits while
remaining fiscally responsible. We have added hiring bonuses and a higher starting wage.
We have formed a recruitment and retention team to develop strategies to improve these
areas. We have also worked to be more efficient and speed up our hiring process.
Transparency is essential in earning the public’s trust. As your Sheriff, I have worked on
several ways to increase transparency in our community. My staff and I have implemented
body cameras, resumed our citizens academy, presented monthly law enforcement
information at our Adopt-a-Community meetings, posted regularly to our social media
platforms, and given regular presentations to various groups throughout our community.
These are challenging times for law enforcement. Whether it is coming up with strategies to
prevent criminal activity, finding strategies to better deal with addiction and mental health
issues, or working towards changing the perception of the law enforcement profession, we
have accepted the challenge. There is an opportunity when there is adversity, and now is a
great time to be a leader and initiate positive change.
I hope you find this report informative and learn of ways we work to serve the community.
As the Sheriff, I want to thank all of you for the opportunity to serve as your Cass County
Sheriff.
Jesse Jahner
JESSE JAHNER
Cass County Sheriff

mission |Vision |values
Mission
The mission of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office is to enhance public safety by building strong community
partnerships, department partnerships, and providing excellent customer service.
Vision
We will accomplish our mission by working with our communities and other departments as a unified team to
foster trust and safety through professionalism, enforcing the rule of law, treating all individuals fair and equal, be
forward-thinking, and provide a high level of training to excel as an organization.
Values
We value all members of our community and organization. We are committed to providing exceptional public service
and safety through professionalism, integrity, respect, fairness, accountability, teamwork, and reasonableness.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has four divisions, within the organization, encompassing
approximately 235 employee positions, 140 of which are sworn deputies.
The men and women of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office are committed to providing public
safety, building community partnerships, and, most importantly, working hard to make
Cass County a safe place to live and raise your families.
organizational chart

Chief Deputy haaland
Dean Haaland began his career in June of 1989 as a part-time Cass County Juvenile
Detention Officer. In December 1990, Dean was transferred to the Cass County Jail and
served in a part-time capacity until he was promoted to full-time also in 1990.
In 1994 Dean was offered and accepted a patrol deputy position and served within that
division until 2002.
Dean transferred to the Civil Process Division in 2002 and served within that division
through 2009.
Dean was promoted to Corporal in 2010 and transferred to the Patrol Division as a firstline
supervisor.
In May 2013, Dean was promoted to Sergeant and continued to work in the Patrol Division
until September 2017.
Dean was promoted to Captain in September 2017 and oversaw Courthouse Operations,
Civil Process & Warrants, and Administrative Assistants. In September 2019, Dean
returned to patrol to serve as Division Commander.
Dean was promoted to Chief Deputy in June 2021 and is tasked with overseeing each
division, including the Jail, Civil Process & Warrants, Patrol, Training, Special Projects,
and Investigations. Dean also writes and manages grants as well as the annual Cass
County Sheriff ’s Office budget.
Dean serves on multiple National Sheriffs’
Association Boards. In 2012 the National Sheriffs’
Association committee chair asked Dean to serve on
the National Sheriffs’ Association Traffic Safety Board.
In January 2019, Dean was asked to sit on the National
Sheriffs’ Association Court Transport and Civil Process
Committee and still serves on these committees to
this day.
Chief Deputy Haaland has long been a
member of TRIAD, a group of seniors,
business, and law enforcement leaders
tasked with our community’s senior
citizens’ well-being.
DEAN HAALAND
Chief Deputy
CHIEF DEPUTY
2021
$ 20,797,393
2022
$ 23,072,699
Upon Sheriff Jahner taking office in 2019, the yearly budget
was $20,420,376.00. In the years of 2019, 2020, 2021,
we worked hard to maintain and balance the budget. It
2022, the budget amount increased, in part, due to adding
additional staffing to Court Security, Court Transport, along
with the Jail.
budget | Financial

office of professional standards
DEPARTMENT COMPLAINTS
11
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
0
2022 COMPLAINTS
SUSTAINED
OPEN
UNFOUNDED
4 1
CLOSED
4 2
Closed complaints fall into two (2) categories:
1. The complaint has been previously investigated and there is no new
evidence that would request the complaint to be re-investigated.
2. The complaint was opened; however, the deputy resigned their
employment prior to participating in the investigation or prior to the
conclusion of the investigation.
office of professional standards

Administrative | Court Services
CIVIL AND WARRANTS
2021 2022
Warrants Received 4,974 3,561
Warrants Cleared/Served 4,605 3,594
Outstanding Active Warrants
Felony 1,055 962
Misdemeanor 2,924 2,680
Civil 16 12
Total 3,995 3,654
Civil Process Papers Received 8,252 8,701
Civil Service Revenues $185,540.62 $226,734.72
Special Executions (Evictions) 270 314
Foreclosure Sales 36 23
COURT TRANSPORT AND SECURITY
Court Hearings 2021 2022
ITV (Interactive TV) In-Custody Court Hearings 4,541 4,743
Mental Health Hearings 68 66
In-Custody Hearings: Bench/Jury Trials etc. 1,929 2,027
Protection Order Hearings 148 388
Transport 2021 2022
Mental Health Transports 120 133
State Hospital Transports 63 66
Inmate Transports (ND DOCR | In & Out of State) 826 1,058
Public Security Screening into the
Courthouse & Annex Buildings
COURT SERVICES | ADMINISTRATIVE CAPTAIN
Captain Katie Fuller began her career with the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office as a part-time Juvenile Detention
Deputy in 2007 and later started working full-time at the jail as a correctional officer in 2009.
In 2012 Katie was promoted to the rank of Corporal; in 2013, Katie was
promoted to Jail Sergeant in the booking area. In 2015 Katie was reassigned
as the Court Transport Sergeant. Katie was promoted to the rank of
Lieutenant as the Assistant Jail Administrator in 2016. As the Assistant
Jail Administrator, Katie supervised the shift commanders,
ensured that security operations were performed per policy and procedure,
and served as the PREA Coordinator.
In 2021, Katie was promoted to division commander and took on additional
responsibilities overseeing the Court Transport/Court Security and the Civil
and Warrants Division as the Court Services-Administrative Captain.
Katie is responsible for overseeing the Cass County Courthouse and
Annex buildings for proper security for the employees and the public
seeking services at the facility. Katie also supervises inmate transports
to and from other facilities, counties, and states. Katie conducts and
oversees civil process and court orders, along with warrants issued by
the court brought to our office for service.
KATIE FULLER
Court Services Captain
2021 2022
141,636 192,809

corrections | Jail
JAIL ADMINISTRATOR
Captain Andrew Frobig serves as the Jail Administrator at the Cass County Jail. Andrew
began his career with the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office in 2004 as a Correctional Officer.
Between 2007 and 2012, Andrew served in various supervisory ranks as a Corporal,
Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Andrew was appointed as the Jail Administrator in 2014.
During his career, Andrew has served on various teams, including the Corrections
Emergency Response Team (CERT), Peer Assistance Crisis Team (PACT), Field Readiness
Training (FRT), and also as a Field Training Officer (FTO). Andrew has also served on
the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) since 2010. He serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the
ND Correctional Administrators Association since 2014, previously served on the board
of the Cass County Youth Commission from 2012 thru 2020, and developed the
Community Supervision Unit (CSU) in 2017. Andrew
has also served
on various advisory boards with the National Sheriffs’
Association,
Rasmussen College Criminal Justice Program, and with
several local stakeholder agencies in the Fargo area.
Andrew oversees all operations of the Cass County Jail,
ensuring the safety and security of staff and inmates.
Andrew plans for future needs of the jail and
manages the facility budget.
Andrew also coordinates with the courts, law
enforcement agencies, service providers, and
stakeholders to address any needs that arise.
ANDREW FROBIG
Corrections Captain
Cass County Jail Summary
During 2022, the jail continued to face new challenges and made significant progress in many areas. COVID was
an ongoing concern during the first half of the year, and we dealt with several small outbreaks. With the easing
of the pandemic during the summer and fall, we were ultimately able to return to more normal operations. More
importantly, we were able to restart much of our inmate programming! It was a welcome change to be able to
invite our volunteers back into the facility and restart our wide array of programming. After almost three years
of suspended programs, many of our staff were new and had never experienced the benefits of offering programs
to the inmate population. Within a couple of weeks, many new staff members commented on the positive results
and effects they were seeing once programming had restarted. During the summer of 2022, we also announced
an expansion of our programming intentions, branded as the REIGNITE concept, to focus on bringing additional
educational opportunities to our inmate population in the coming months and years.
While COVID is still lingering in the community, and we continue to periodically identify individuals who are
infected, it is a significant accomplishment that our screening, protective measures, and response efforts were
100% successful. While we had over 500 individuals at various times who were infected with COVID, and well
over half of our staff infected at some point in time, we achieved zero deaths, and zero hospitalizations due to
COVID since the pandemic began.
The total number of people booked into jail continued to be lower than historical rates. This was mostly due to the
jail being at or near capacity much of the year rather than due to any COVID-related restrictions. Backups in the
court system, an increase in the number of serious cases taking longer to prosecute, and further increases in the
number of inmates with significant mental health needs were all factors that contributed to longer stays in jail. We
were forced to start contracting to house some sentenced inmates at other facilities due to these space concerns,
typically having anywhere from 10 to 25 inmates held in partner facilities. Ongoing collaboration with local law
enforcement agencies continues to be a necessity to ensure sufficient available space at all times for arrests that
have to be made in the interest of public safety.
Intake capabilities were also impacted by expansion and renovations of the booking/intake area of the jail, which
took about 8 months longer to complete than originally scheduled due to COVID-related supply chain issues that
affected the entire country. The project was completed in October of 2022 and effectively doubled the operational
capacity of our intake operations and made things much safer and more efficient to manage for both staff and new
arrestees.
The Cass County Jail continued to work through correctional officer vacancies during 2022. We saw better hiring
results from increased recruiting and training efforts, which were offset by transfers, retirements, and some
resignations. In early 2022 we identified and appointed a dedicated Training Sergeant, and we further modified
our initial training program to incorporate the full Correctional Officer Basic Training course from the very start
for all new employees. This course was previously offered at some point during the first year of employment. By
offering this course as part of the initial training, we adapted hiring schedules to start a new academy basically
every other month, which in turn expanded access to other agencies who also needed to send new staff for this
training. Approximately 1/3 of each class held in 2022 consisted of officers from other agencies.
As we approached the final quarter of 2022, we celebrated the 20th year of the facility being open and entered
the final stretch, having overcome many challenges and having implemented many new improvements to better
serve our partners and our community. The dedicated staff who remained throughout all these challenges, and
endured almost absurd amounts of overtime, proved once again why they are the best in the industry, showing
their resilience, adaptability, and commitment to our mission.

Cass County Jail Mission
It is the mission of the Cass County Jail to provide a safe and secure confinement for lawfully committed
inmates or detainees in compliance with standards set forth by the North Dakota Century Code and
the North Dakota Administrative Jail Rules. The primary goal of the jail is to provide the safety of Cass
County citizens by detaining lawfully committed inmates in the most efficient and cost-effective
manner as possible.
The jail will be managed in a manner that will foster a positive atmosphere between the staff and
inmate population with the expectation that mutual respect will be displayed at all times. This will be
accomplished by employing well-trained and motivated staff, maintaining a safe and secure physical
plant and providing inmate programs that will offer them an opportunity to help prepare themselves
for eventual reintegration into their communities. Inmates will be held accountable for their actions.
Incentive for good behavior is provided through a classification system that will reward positive
behavior. We will strive toward the goal that inmates will leave this facility in the same or better
condition as when they arrived.
SAFETY | SECURE | RESPECT | PROGRAMS
corrections | mission

corrections | jail
JAIL POPULATION | VISITATION | MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
2021 2022
Average Daily Population 275 284
Highest Population 311 319
Lowest Population 232 223
Total Intakes 5,258 6,217
Male 3,996 4,629
Female 1,262 1,588
Average Length of Stay 21 17
Total Days Served 114,362 111,217
Visitation On-Site 4,918 8,647
Via Remote Video 1,266 2,795
Mental Health Flagged at Intake 10,747
Referred for New MH Services 1,745
Lieutenant Tommy Ray began his career in 2008 as a line-level correctional officer, where he was
responsible for the supervision of inmates that were legally incarcerated inside the Cass County Jail. In
2010, Tommy was promoted to the rank of Corporal in the jail and was later promoted to Sergeant of
jail operations. Tommy was made the Commander of the Correctional Emergency Response Team
(CERT). CERT’s responsibilities include high-risk inmate movement, cell extraction of high-risk
inmates, and disturbance control. Tommy also worked as the intake operations sergeant responsible
for supervising new arrivals to the facility, court communications with the jail,
victim notification, and inmate management. Tommy is the lead
Defensive
Tactics Instructor, Use of Force Instructor, and Riot Control Team
Lead. Tommy
was reassigned as one of the Court Transport Sergeants, and his
responsibilities
included supervision of Courthouse and Annex security,
courtroom
security, and transports.
In 2021 Tommy was promoted to Lieutenant as the Assistant
Jail Administrator of Jail Operations. He is responsible for
inmate management, shift sergeants, and the classification
and programs sergeant. Tommy coordinates facility
maintenance needs and manages compliance with all
state and federal operation standards. Tommy collaborates
as a vendor liaison to ensure compliance with existing
agreements for food services, medical services, and
inmate communications.
Tommy Ray
Corrections Lieutenant
24-7 SOBRIETY PROGRAM
The 24/7 Sobriety Program has been in operation in North Dakota since January
2008.
Participation in the 24/7 Sobriety Program may be ordered through the court
as a condition of bond, pre-trial release; or as a condition of sentence or
probation, for any violation where drugs or alcohol may be involved, cases
involving domestic abuse, or abuse/neglect of a child.
An individual may also get approval through the ND Department of
Transportation to volunteer and participate in the 24/7 Sobriety Program to
obtain a temporary restricted driver’s license.
An individual arrested for a second or subsequent DUI is required as a condition
of bond, to refrain from alcohol use, and report to a specific law enforcement
location to be placed in the 24/7 Sobriety Program for alcohol testing. If the
individual fails a test, they are immediately taken into custody. If the arrestee
fails to show for testing, bond is revoked.
2021 2022
SCRAM Bracelet 334 258
Drug Patch 337 325
Daily Breath Testing 273 303
Remote Breath Testing 43 58
2022
SCRAM Ankle Bracelet Days Monitored 34,203
Daily Compliance Rate 99%
Remote Breath Testing Days Monitored 7,342
Daily Compliance Rate 95%

community supervision unit | csu
Mission
To provide effective supervision of participants in a community setting. We accomplish this by identifying certain needs of
the individual defendant and ensuring that they are connected with services that will assist in meeting those needs.
Goal
To reduce recidivism by identifying needs and working to overcome barriers to progress and success.
Focus
We focus on four pillars of a needs-based continuum—Housing, Employment, Transportation, and
Treatment for unaddressed or under-addressed behavioral health concerns. We also seek to identify
other factors where assistance and connection will improve outcomes.
Participants may live at home under house arrest, with permission to travel for certain needs or
employment. Participants may be registered and admitted into a residential drug or alcohol treatment
program. Perhaps a solution somewhere in the middle is appropriate. We are limited only by the services
available in the community and the identified needs of the participant.

community supervision unit | csu
PURPOSE OF THE CSU PROGRAM
Launched in April of 2018, the Community Supervision Program (CSU) allows participants
to serve a sentence in a community setting as an alternative to incarceration.
Participants must meet specific qualifications and be sentenced to all local charges with
no outstanding warrants or holds for other jurisdictions.
Pretrial participation is based on bond conditions set forth by the court of jurisdiction.
Candidates are screened and assessed for risk of violence, risk to abscond, and risk of
non-compliance.
Those selected are required to comply with program requirements, to remain lawabiding,
and must wear a GPS ankle bracelet.
There are no daily fees for participation, but other court-ordered programs, such as
alcohol and drug monitoring, may require payment of certain fees.
Participants are required to actively participate in setting goals, actively pursue progress
on their goals, and must maintain regular contact with their supervising deputy.
In return for active participation and compliance with program standards, all time
served in good standing while on this program is counted as time served toward the
entire sentence.
Lieutenant Chad Violet serves as an Assistant Jail Administrator at the Cass County
Jail. Chad began his career with the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office in 2002, working as
a Correctional Officer in the new Cass County Jail. In 2009 Chad was promoted to a
Corporal Shift Supervisor for two years until he took over the Work Release
Program and 24-7 Program. In 2018 CSU was developed in place
of the Work Release Program. Chad began supervision of
the CSU
program. The CSU Program encompasses the 24/7 Program
a l o n g
with two Deputies supervising inmates on an intensive GPS
program. In 2019 Chad was promoted to Sergeant.
In 2021 Chad was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
as an Assistant Jail Administrator. Chad supervises
the administrative sergeants and day to day
administrative operations of the jail. Chad also
serves as the facility PREA Coordinator.
CHAD VIOLET
Corrections Lieutenant
Community Supervision Unit 2021 2022
Total Participants 148 127
Success Rate of Completing CSU 70.95% 71.17%
Participants Attending a Treatment Program 102 70
Success Rate of Completing CSU 65.69% 68.57%
Pretrial Participants (Did Not Post Bond) 72 78
Total Jail Bed Days Saved 8,004 5,765
In 2021, 81.76% of participants had no recidivism within a year of completing the program.
*2022 recidivism statistics will not be calculated until 2023.
PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTABILITY
Participants are considered “in-custody” while serving their time in this program. Supervising deputies are
empowered to make discretionary decisions on a case-by-case basis in situations of willful non-compliance. At
the low end, a participant may be subject to increased or more intensive supervision. In more serious cases of
non-compliance, a participant can be removed and placed back in jail, either as an intermediate and temporary
measure or to serve the remainder of their sentence.
Participants are sentenced to the custody of the Sheriff’s Office, even while serving time under Community
Supervision. In cases where a participant fails to maintain contact or absconds completely, escape charges are
possible and likely.
Participants who remain compliant are rewarded with direct assistance in connecting to and receiving necessary
services, credit for time served, and the opportunity to improve their lives by addressing the contributing
factors to their involvement in the criminal justice system. Successful participants will complete their sentence
knowing that they contributed to their own achievements, hopefully breaking the cycle of criminal behavior
and recidivism.

field services | Patrol
County Beats
Cass County is 1,768 square miles with
a population of approximately 186,562.
Cass County Sheriff’s Office provides
law enforcement services to all of Cass
County.
The 1,768 square miles are divided
into three patrol districts/zones to
strategically place Patrol Deputies
throughout the coverage area to ensure
the quickest response, with deputies
traveling approximately 524,367 miles
in 2022 and handling over 28,000
reported calls for service.
Patrol
The patrol staff takes a pro-active approach to law enforcement with the ultimate goal
to prevent crime and violence.
There are four communities, Casselton, Horace, Kindred, and Mapleton, within
Cass County, that contract with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office for increased Law
Enforcement Services.
In an effort to safeguard the rights, lives, and property of the citizens of Cass County,
we have implemented the Adopt-A-Community Program. This program is designed
to increase communication with our rural communities, and build support for crime
prevention.
Patrol 2021 2022
Calls for Service 30,996 28,334
Case Reports 1,035 1,268
Traffic Citations/Warnings 3,428 4,299
DUI/Refusals 101 128
MIC/MIP 56 86
FIELD SERVICES DIVISION COMMANDER
Captain Tim Briggeman started his employment in 2004 as a correctional deputy and was promoted to the rank
of Corporal in 2007. In January 2008, Tim transferred into field services as a patrol deputy.
In 2013 Tim was promoted to the rank of Corporal and ultimately transferred out of the patrol unit in October
2015, holding the rank of Sergeant. Tim remained in the special projects division overseeing the school resource
deputies, Cass Clay Unified School Response coordinator, and served as the public information officer for the
sheriff ’s office.
In 2019 Tim was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and took on additional
overseeing the Office of Professional Standards and Accountability along with the
Committee.
Tim Briggeman
Field Services Captain
responsibilities
Use of Force
In March of 2021, Tim was promoted to the rank of Captain to serve as the
division
commander for patrol. Tim oversees the Patrol Division, School Resource
Division,
and the Sheriff Reserve Unit as the division commander. Tim continues to serve as the public
information officer for the sheriff ’s office.
In the fall of 2022, Captain Briggeman graduated from the FBI
National Academy (FBINA), Session 283, in Quantico, VA. The 10-week
academy is internationally known for its academic excellence, leadership,
and fitness training.

Sheriff Reserve Unit
Sheriff Reserve Unit | SRU
The Sheriff’s Reserve Unit (SRU) is composed of up to 15 SRU Deputies that are fully
uniformed sworn deputies, under the authority of the Cass County Sheriff. The SRU’s
primary function is working special events, including the Red River Valley Fair, street
dances, barn dances, traffic control, public appearances, and other tasks as assigned.
In 2022 alone, SRU deputies volunteered over 2,900 hours between working events and
the training requirements saving the taxpayers $96,701.72.
First-year recruits are expected to go through approximately 90 hours of training in their
first year. During this time, the candidate is not a sworn deputy until after successfully
completing the training program that lasts from December and goes until graduation
in June. At the graduation ceremony, the Sheriff will swear in the candidates as Cass
County Deputies.
We strive to maintain a high level of public safety, integrity, professionalism, transparency,
and training. Our goal is to provide the best public services to our citizens with a number
of resources available. The Sheriff’s Reserve Unit is fiscally responsible and saves the
citizens of Cass County taxpayer dollars.
Hours Volunteered
2021 2022
Training Hours 615.75 1,124.55
Regular Work Hours 299.50 329.50
Field Readiness Training (FRT) 406.50 307.25
Special Event Hours 1,229.00 1,114.75
Total Hours 2,550.75 2,906.05
Total Dollars Savings $89,644.07 $96,701.72

Investigations Summary
CRIMES AGAINST PERSON/PROPERTY/SOCIETY
investigations
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division consists
of six investigators, one sergeant, and one division captain.
The investigations division supports the patrol and corrections
divisions with investigative assistance when requested.
Investigators are on call one week out of every 6 weeks to
ensure their availability to assist with any complex cases needed.
Investigators conduct follow-up investigations on cases from all
divisions and citizen web tips. Investigations assists with a variety
of cases to include assaults, burglaries, unattended deaths, and
homicide.
The Investigations Division also coordinates the Sex Offender
Registration Program. In 2022, there was a total of 30 registered
offenders that are monitored in Cass County.
Investigators assigned to this division also work as members of
the Cass County Drug Task Force, Child Abduction Response
Team (CART), Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
(ICAC), Forensic Examiner, Fire Investigations, Elder Abuse, Red
River Children’s Advocacy Center, Sexual Assault Response Team
(SART), Human Trafficking Task Force, Domestic Violence Group,
Suicide Review, Prison Rape Elimination Act Investigations (PREA)
and assist with community education.
INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION COMMANDER
Captain Joel Stading is a 30-year veteran with the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office. Joel began his career in 1991 as
a correctional officer at the Cass County Jail.
In 1994, Joel was assigned to the Field Service Division as a patrol deputy
the patrol division until 2001, when he transferred to the warrant division.
was promoted to Detective and worked in the Investigations Division until
was promoted to Sergeant of the Warrants -Civil Division.
In 2020 Joel was promoted to Lieutenant and took on the additional
of overseeing the Cass County Court Security and Cass County Inmate
Divisions.
In June of 2021, Joel was promoted to Captain and was assigned
to oversee the Investigations Division and was also assigned
to investigate all complaints sent to the Office of Professional
Standards and Accountability, along with handling all open
records requests the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office receives.
and worked in
In 2011 Joel
2017, when he
responsibility
Transport
Joel Stading
Investigations Captain

INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN TASK FORCE
Grants Awarded to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office
investigations
Detective Heather Hames was selected by the International Association of Computer
Investigative Specialists (IACIS) as the first recipient of the Digital Forensics Scholarship
for Women in Law Enforcement. Detective Hames is a 16-year veteran with the Cass
County Sheriff’s Office and is on assignment with the North Dakota Internet Crimes
Against Children Task Force (NDICACTF). After successfully completing the Basic
Computer Forensic Examiner (BCFE) course, Detective Hames is the first Certified
Forensic Computer Examiner trained and conducting digital forensics for the Cass
County Sheriff’s Office.
Detective Hames’s training will impact the State of North Dakota and our community
as we continue investigating internet crimes against children and holding individuals
accountable for exploiting our children. Additionally, this training will further equip
Detective Hames and our office to serve and protect our community while meeting our
ICAC STATISTICS
mission, vision, and values.
CASE OFFENSES
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office was awarded several grants to include:
HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT
$65,418.79 Homeland Security Grant for a new surveillance system at the
Cass County Law Enforcement Center. The system is installed and is up and
running.
HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT
$4,279.86 Homeland Security Grant to conduct a joint active threat training
scenario in our local schools. This grant covered staff overtime wages so we could hold
the training. The drills were held for CCSO staff, Cass County Rural Fire Departments,
EMS partners, Cass County School Districts, and Cass Fargo Emergency Management.
This training assisted law enforcement, rural fire, and EMS in effectively responding
to an active shooter/active threat situation to protect and save lives. It will always
remain a top priority of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office to partner with our rural fire
and EMS to provide the best level of training and a high level of public safety. We will
continue to look for ways in the future to increase our response capabilities and keep
our schools and children safe.
WALMART GRANT
$1,000.00 Walmart Grant for our Bike Safety Education Programs. The funds allowed
us to purchase items such as helmets, safety equipment, and bike course materials to
enhance our Bike Safety Program.
grants
2022 DISPOSITIONS 2021 DISPOSITIONS
2020 DISPOSITIONS

School Resource | SRD
SCHOOL RESOURCE DEPUTY PROGRAM
In January of 2008, we placed our first school resource deputy in a rural school setting.
The partnership between our rural school districts and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office
continued to grow into four SRD’s in five school districts.
Issues that affect our rural communities are reflected in students’ needs, just as schoolrelated
issues affect the community as a whole. The presence of carefully selected
and trained school resource deputies represents the essence of community policing
principles. The SRD’s are not only at the schools to improve security but to build positive
relationships between youth and law enforcement and to alleviate growing community
concerns about school safety.
Jason Scott
Central Cass
7 Years
Lindsey Nettestad
Northern Cass
2 Years
Joseph Koerber
Kindred | Mapleton
3 Years
Brad Heger
Maple Valley
1st Year
A Day and the Life of an SRD...
acting as a liaison with school administrators, faculty, and students to provide a safe and positive school climate.
Develop positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and our rural community partners.
Conducting or assisting with investigations of criminal law violations occurring on school campuses.
Being visible in the school community by participating in school activities.
Developing and implementing classroom presentations for students on law-related topics.
Positively promoting the law enforcement profession by being a positive role model for students.
SCHOOL CONTRACTS | FUNDING
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and its participating school districts share the School Resource Deputy’s
cost, with 75% of the salary and benefits paid by the participating school districts, and Cass County pays the
remaining 25% of salary and benefits. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office provides each SRD with a fully equipped
squad car, uniforms, equipment, licensing, and training.
Northern Cass:
Central Cass:
Kindred:
Maple Valley:
Mapleton:
$67,462 (Full Time)
$67,462 (Full Time)
$33,731 (20 Hours)
$67,462 (Full Time)
$26,984 (16 Hours)
trust | Inspire | Prevention | Response
Cass County Deputies partnered with the North Dakota Parks and Rec and held an ATV training course at Central
Cass School to educate our students on the safe operation of off-road vehicles.
Two of the SRDs assisted with downtown Fargo patrol in the summer, assisting Fargo Police Department in
developing relationships with our downtown business partners.
Deputies Jason Scott, Joseph Koerber, and Lindsey Nettestad attended the National Association of School
Resource Officers conference in July 2022 in Denver, Colorado.
Deputy Jason Scott and Central Cass School District were awarded $283,000 from a Department of Justice grant.

CANINE UNIT | K-9
CANINE UNIT | K-9
Canine program | K-9
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit is
comprised of two dual-purpose dog teams. Our
office acquired these two German Shepherds in
2022 after the loss of Canine Ed in July of 2021.
Canine Ed was an active member of the Cass County
Sheriff’s Office for 13 years, working with his
handler Deputy Dan Hermann. The loss of Canine Ed
was significant to our office as he assisted in many
narcotic-related cases removing drug traffickers
from our region and assisting in multiple searches
for wanted individuals and missing persons in an
effort to keep our community safe.
On October 17, the
Cass County Sheriff’s
Office held a press conference regarding our second canine
to deploy in the field services, K-9 Griggs. Funding to secure
K-9 Griggs was provided by MLGC, a family-owned rural
broadband company serving southwestern Cass County since
1906. The MLGC family loves dogs and is honored to support
their local law enforcement and congratulate Griggs on his
new assignment. K-9 Griggs is the second K-9 the Cass County
Sheriff’s Office has received donated funds from to secure
their appointment. The MLGC family named our newest
canine Griggs. MLGC’s story began in 1906 when both Moore
& Liberty Telephone and Griggs County Telephone companies
were established and are now known as MLGC, and that is
how they came up with K-9 Grigg’s name.
Shortly after the loss of Canine Ed, Scheels of Fargo
reached out to our office and wanted to partner
with us and help purchase our newest canine. In
March, Scheels announced on social media that
there was a new deputy in town, but there was
only one problem, the new canine needed a name
and asked for the community’s help. Scheels
invited the public to help name our newest K-9
in a naming contest. After a remarkable amount
of community engagement, on April 1st, it was
revealed at a press
conference that the
top name for our
newest K-9 was Kota.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Scheels and MLGC for the partnership we have developed
with them and our appreciation for their dedication to keeping our community safer and their commitment to
the public.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is proud to improve upon the services brought to the citizens of Cass County
through our newest service dogs. K-9 Kota and K-9 Griggs are a great addition to our interdiction efforts and
help locate those attempting to bring narcotics into our community.

CITIZENS ACADEMY
CITIZENS ACADEMY
CITIZENS ACADEMY
In September, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office held the Cass County Sheriff’s Office
Citizens Academy for 12 consecutive weeks. The course offers classroom presentations
and hands-on training regarding relevant law enforcement topics.
With the completion of the 12-week academy, all participants will have exclusive insight
into the inner workings of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Jail, and law
enforcement in general. The program is designed to gain insight into the functions and
responsibilities of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office while bridging the gap and fostering
a relationship with our citizens.
CITIZENS ACADEMY

SWAT | Negotiations | Bomb
RED RIVER VALLEY SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS TEAM | SWAT
The Red River Valley Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
team is comprised of regional law enforcement officers
from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s
Office, Fargo Police Department, Moorhead Police
Department, West Fargo Police Department, NDSU Police
Department, and medics from
FM Ambulance and Sanford Air
Med. The Cass County Sheriff’s
Office currently has three
members on the SWAT team.
The SWAT team is a highly
specialized unit that deploys to
high-risk incidents in the Red
River Region that are viewed as
extremely dangerous in nature.
In 2022, The Red River Valley
Swat Team was deployed 26
times.
RED RIVER VALLEY REGIONAL NEGOTIATIONS UNIT
The Red River Valley Regional Negotiations Unit is
comprised of regional law enforcement officers.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office currently has
two members on the Negotiations Unit. Each
negotiator has received training in advanced
negotiation methods. Every member is an
experienced officer who brings professionalism
and compassion to these roles.
RED RIVER VALLEY REGIONAL BOMB UNIT
The Red River Valley Regional Bomb Unit is comprised of regional law enforcement
officers. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office currently has one member on the Bomb
Unit. Each Bomb Unit member is highly trained in the diffusion of explosives and
incendiary devices. The Bomb Unit assists local law
enforcement agencies in the education, location,
and disposal of all energetic materials. The Bomb
Unit has specialized technology that include x-ray
machine and bomb robots.
2022 | Bomb Unit Call Summary
Suspicious Packages 5
Recovery/All Other 20
IED Recovery 3
Explosion/Post Blast 1
Total Bomb Unit Responses 29
METRO-AREA STREET CRIMES UNIT
SEIZED ITEMS
22.5 Cocaine (grams)
3,926 M30 Pills (Fentanyl) (qty)
4 Controlled Pills (qty)
707.3 Marijuana (grams)
780.2 Methamphetamine (grams)
2 Other Drugs
28 Firearms
1 Vehicle
$140,308 Cash
CASS COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE
2022 USC seized $213,897
2021 Total Drug Cases: 122
2022 Total Drug Cases: 176
2021 Total Search Warrants (Drug Only): 50
2022 Total Search Warrant (Drug Only): 56
2021- 9 firearms seized, 7 cases with firearms, 4 arrests made
2022- 20 firearms seized, 13 cases with firearms, 3 arrests made
503 WARRANTS
SEARCH WARRANTS
56 TOTAL SEARCH WARRANTS
TOTAL ARRESTS
180 TOTAL ARRESTS
US MARSHAL HIGH PLAINS FUGITIVE TASK FORCE
FEDERAL INTERDICTION UNIT
SEIZED ITEMS
307.0 Cocaine (grams)
4,085.0 Counterfeit M30 Pills(qty)
75,525.0 Marijuana (grams)
4,026.0 Methamphetamine (grams)
237 Fentanyl (grams)
211 M30 Pills (Fentanyl) (grams)
Special Operations

LICENSED ROSTER UNIT
TRAINING | EDUCATION
licensed roster UNIT
In 2022, with the approval of the Cass County Commission, Sheriff Jahner hired
ten (10) deputies to work on a part-time status to assist in covering extra events
throughout the Fargo, West Fargo, and rural Cass County communities. These
deputies currently hold a North Dakota Peace Officer License and cover extra
events, which in turn, alleviates the need for our current full-time staff to work
in an overtime capacity. With the increase in special event coverage throughout
Cass County, hiring deputies at a part-time status allowed our agency to better
serve our community needs in an effort to achieve the overall goal of public safety.
The Training Division supports the mission, vision, and values of the Cass County Sheriff’s
Office as they enhance public safety by providing a high level of training to excel as an
organization. The Training Division ensures that the Cass County Sheriff’s office aligns
with the national best practices in the policing profession, ND POST requirements, along
with ND State Statues.
Below is a list of training provided, but not limited to staff in 2022:
• Pre-Service Corrections Academy.
• 1st Quarter Shoot.
• Active Shooter Training.
• UAS Observer Training.
• Low Light Firearms.
• Sheriff’s Reserve Unit: defensive tactics, CPR, firearms.
• Suicide Prevention.
• Scenario-based defensive tactics.
• PREA refresher & WRAP.
• Taser Recertification.
• 1st Aid / CPR.
• LOCK Up defensive tactics.
• Advanced Roadside Investigative Techniques.
• EMR Recertification.
• 2nd quarter shoot / 3rd quarter shoot (canceled).
• State Qualification.
• Mobile Field Force.
• Human Trafficking for Law Enforcement.
• Booking Refresher.
• PTSD and Suicide Awareness.
• Taser Re-Certification.
• Licensed Roster Academy.
• De-Escalation Training.
• Special Events Training.
• Firearms – 4th quarter shoot.
training | education

RETIREMENT | 2021
promotions | 2022
KATIE FULLER JACOB LONGLET BRAD NITSCHKE
TY HIEDEMAN ROSS KRAUSE ALEX ELLIS
JASMYN HATLESTAD LANA BARONE ALBERTINE VERDIER
SARAH LARSEN JONATHAN DODGE KATIE SMITH
ANTHONY KROGH
1975-2021
MITCH BURRIS
1988-2021
STEVEN GABRIELSON
1977-2021
CINDY ZETOCHA
1990-2021
TIMOTHY OLSON
1981-2021
BRUCE RENSHAW
1994-2021
RETIREMENT | 2022
MICHELE HARMON
1988-2021
retirement | 2022
ALICIA ETTESVOLD BRENDEN EDNER MADISON HICKS
AMANDA HENRICKSON
2002-2022

awards | 2021 service

awards | 2021 service

National Association of Counties Achievement Award Winner
ACHIEVEMENT award
In May 2022, The Cass County Sheriff’s Office was recognized with an Achievement
Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative,
effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
NACo recognized the Adopt-a-Community program in the Criminal Justice and Public
Safety category. Through this program, the Sheriff’s Office has a Deputy assigned to the
communities in rural Cass County. The assigned Deputy attends city council meetings
where they discuss calls for service in that community. They work with community
members on ways to find solutions to address current calls or concerns. Deputies
also work with their communities on crime prevention strategies and attend City First
Responder meetings to maintain strong relationships to serve the residents of Cass
County effectively.
“The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is happy to partner with our rural communities through
our Adopt-a-Community program,” explains Sheriff Jesse Jahner. “The program pairs a
Deputy with each of our rural communities to build strong partnerships in order to help
reduce criminal activity and foster safer communities.”
The program also helps provide the residents of Cass County with a better understanding
of how the Sheriff’s Office operates, which has assisted in responding to criminal activity
in a more efficient way. It also helps to fill any communication gaps. This has led to a high
level of trust and cooperation from residents in Cass County. Started in 1970, NACo’s
annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government
innovations. Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast
services that counties provide.
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

2022 highlights

2022 highlights

2022 highlights

2022 highlights