Fargo Police are stepping up efforts in downtown Fargo. Police say they are increasing their patrols downtown to ensure the area is a safe place to work, live and visit.

"The City of Fargo has been growing and changing, and it's no secret that crime has increased a little bit each year over the past several years, but we want people to know that even though there is a little bit of a crime increase that we are still doing everything in our powers to make sure that our city is safe," said Jessica Schindeldecker with the Fargo Police Department.

Following a murder in downtown Fargo in June, they set the goal to create more of a presence in the area so that people do not feel as though they have to worry.

"Increasing foot patrols and officer presence,” said Schindeldecker. “We're already utilizing grants and having extra officers out on certain details."

The department also released a video on social media further explaining their approach.

"It's about getting out on foot, meeting and greeting people, talking to your bartenders, talking to your apartment managers, talking to your business owners and finding out what's going on in the downtown area," said David Todd, Cheif of Fargo Police.

And police efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Gabby Metzger lives in the downtown area and says she has seen the police interactions firsthand.

"The other day over by the VFW, there was a bunch of kids on scooters and a couple of cops outside talking with them and joking,” Metzger said. “It's just really nice to see them downtown more."

Metzger says the interactions not only make her feel safe but it shows that the officers care about the people in their community.

For the full video from Fargo Police: https://twitter.com/fargopolice/status/1146134298388549632?s=21