Bismarck Police Department

09/30/2026

News Release
For Immediate Release
September 30, 2026

Bismarck Police Respond to Hoax Threat at Bismarck High School

BISMARCK, N.D. – Around 1:15 p.m., the Bismarck Police Department received a call reporting an emergency situation at Bismarck High School. Due to the urgent nature of the call, it was immediately transferred to Central Dakota Communications.
The caller claimed that she was hiding in a bathroom and claimed that her boyfriend was in the school parking lot threatening her with a gun and bomb. Officers were immediately dispatched to the area, and coordinated sweeps of both the school and parking lot were conducted. No evidence of any threat, weapon, or suspicious device was found.
Investigators determined the call originated from Voice Over Internet Protocol number (VOIP). A VOIP number is an internet-based phone service that allows calls to be made through an app or computer rather than a physical phone. These services can obscure the caller’s true location, making it easier for individuals to place deceptive or anonymous calls.
We also learned that Mandan High School received a nearly identical threat with similar details and delivery methods. Given the parallels between the two calls and the lack of any credible danger, Bismarck Police Department strongly believes this was a “swatting” attempt to cause fear and disruption.
The case remains under active investigation and Bismarck Police Department thanks school staff, students, and families for the cooperation as officers ensured everyone’s safety.

09/30/2026

Bismarck Police Department is on scene at Bismarck High School and has completed a full sweep of the parking lot and school. Officers did not locate anything suspicious and do not believe there is any threat to students or staff.
The incident is most likely to be a swatting call — a false report of a serious emergency intended to trigger a large law enforcement response.
We appreciate the cooperation of students, staff, and families as we worked to ensure everyone’s safety. Further updates will be shared if needed.

09/30/2026

Bismarck Police Department is on scene and actively investigating the incident. Preliminary indications based on our interaction with the caller suggest this may be a “swatting” incident; however, out of an abundance of caution, we are taking all necessary steps to confirm the situation and ensure the safety of students and staff.

Updates will be provided following our investigation and all information will be shared with Bismarck Public Schools.

(Update: Shelter-in-place has ended.)

Attention:

Bismarck High School is currently in a shelter-in-place after the Bismarck Police Department received a call from an individual who shared a safety concern.

At this time, we do not have information confirming that there is an active threat to the school. Out of an abundance of caution, the school immediately initiated its shelter-in-place procedures and is working directly with the Bismarck Police Department to investigate the concern. During a shelter-in-place, students remain in their classroom and continue to receive instruction.

Families may notice a heightened law enforcement presence at Bismarck High School while this situation is being assessed.

We understand that situations like this can be concerning for families. Student and staff safety remains our highest priority, and we will provide additional information as it becomes available.

09/29/2026

It takes a team to keep a police department running!🚔

Two of our Records Technicians, Shannan and Jorden, recently attended the Law Enforcement Administrative Support (LEAS) conference in Fargo to grow their skills, network, and strengthen connections within law enforcement.

Thank you, Shannan and Jorden, for all you do behind the scenes to help keep BPD running smoothly! 💙

09/29/2026

Episode 87 of Bismarck Insights with Mayor Mike Schmitz premiers this week with guest Noah Lindelow, who is a Special Operations Lieutenant with Bismarck Police Department. Mayor Schmitz and Noah talk about how the SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team in Western North Dakota serves the community, support neighboring law enforcement organizations, what technology advances play a pivotal role in SWAT response, and more: https://youtu.be/aAtfMxJ2SkA?si=7gz--7PeTYALwxhP.

Bismarck Insights appears on Dakota Media Access Government Access (Channels 2 and 602 HD, DakotaMediaAccess.org, ROKU, FireTV & Apple TV) on Tuesdays at 4:15 PM and Saturdays at noon, while running on Radio Access (102.5 FM) at 4:15 PM on Tuesdays, Fridays at noon and Saturdays at 7 AM. Episodes are also available on-demand at https://dakotamediaaccess.org/government/gov-access-bismarck/insights/, as well as wherever you find great podcasts.

09/29/2026

☕ HAPPY NATIONAL COFFEE DAY! ☕

Today is basically a holiday we can all get behind. 😂 Whether you like it hot, iced, sweet, strong, or with just a little coffee in your coffee… go grab yourself a cup of joe!

But while you’re at it, grab one for someone else, pay it forward, thank your favorite barista, or simply share a little kindness. You never know how much a cup of coffee and a little love can brighten someone’s day. 💙

So Bismarck, let’s spread the caffeine and the kindness today! ☕

09/25/2026

📢 WE’RE HIRING — RECORDS ADMINISTRATOR

The Bismarck Police Department is looking for a Records Administrator to lead our Records and Reception section and play a key role in the management of critical law enforcement information.

This full-time position is responsible for supervising Records and Reception staff, managing the department’s records management and mobile field reporting systems, overseeing NIBRS compliance, maintaining records and data quality, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.

💰 Hiring Range: $61,733.46 – $69,450.13
📋 Full-Time | Benefits

What you’ll do:
• Supervise, train and develop Records and Reception staff
• Manage and troubleshoot the department’s RMS and mobile field reporting systems
• Oversee NIBRS reporting and data quality
• Ensure compliance with records retention and open-records requirements
• Review reports for accuracy and quality control
• Analyze data and prepare reports and statistics
• Work with department personnel, other agencies, government partners and the public

Minimum Qualifications:
• AA/AS degree in a related field; comparable work experience may be considered
• Three years of experience or service sufficient to understand and perform the work of subordinate positions

If you're organized, detail-oriented, a strong communicator, and interested in supporting the operations of a professional law enforcement agency, we want to hear from you!

👉 Apply now: https://bismarcknd.gov/jobs

09/22/2026

*** SCAM ALERT ***
The Burleigh County Sheriff's Department has been notified of a scam targeting family members of recently incarcerated inmates.

In this instance, the scammer called a family member of an inmate, identified themself as a BCSD employee, and requested $250 for a bed in a treatment facility for the inmate. The scammer goes on to say that if the inmate completes training, an additional $1,400 would then be needed.

Employees at the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department and the Burleigh-Morton Detention Center will not call family members to solicit funds on behalf of inmates. This sort of monetary request would have to come from the inmate, either directly or via their legal counsel. We will never ask you for payment of any kind over the phone.

If you ever have questions or concerns about the legitimacy of a call claiming to come from BCSD or BMDC, hang up and call 701-222-6651.

09/18/2026

** The vehicle was located. Thank you for your assistance. We recommend anyone who may have driven through the cement, go through a car wash as soon as possible so no damage is done to your vehicle.**

🚨 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE REQUEST 🚨

The Bismarck Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying a cement truck or construction truck that was reportedly dumping wet cement while either accelerating or braking.

The areas where the cement was observed include:

📍 Eastbound Bismarck Expressway, just before Washington Street
📍 Eastbound Bismarck Expressway & Yegen Road intersection
📍 Bismarck Expressway & Main Avenue, turning onto Main Avenue heading east

The incident was reported to police at approximately 11:52 a.m. We are asking anyone who may have seen a cement truck/construction truck with liquid coming out of it, between approximately 11:30–11:50 a.m. in the areas listed above, to please contact Officer Petersen and reference CR 26-14551.

09/18/2026

🎉 Celebrating 34 Years of Service! 🎉

After 34 years of dedicated service to the Bismarck Police Department and our community, Deputy Chief Ziegler is beginning his well-earned retirement.

Family, friends, coworkers, and community members filled the room to celebrate this incredible milestone and share stories, laughter, memories, and heartfelt words from those who have had the privilege of working alongside him and knowing him throughout his career.

Thirty-four years represents an incredible commitment to the Bismarck Police Department and the people we serve. We are grateful for Deputy Chief Ziegler’s leadership, dedication, and the lasting impact he has made throughout his career.

Please join us in wishing Deputy Chief Ziegler all the best in this next chapter. Enjoy retirement—you’ve earned it! 👏🏻🇺🇸💙