Patrol Officer, Fargo Police Department
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Shelby Layman, and I am a patrol officer with the Fargo Police Department. I am currently assigned to the night shift. At my core, I’m someone who believes deeply in accountability, professionalism, and doing the job the right way. My work centers on responding to calls for service throughout the city, where I focus on sound decisionmaking, fair policing, and treating people with dignity. I take pride in being thorough, principled, and willing to ask hard questions. Law enforcement carries an immense authority, and I believe that authority has to be matched with integrity and transparency. Outside of work, I enjoy a good coffee, an occasional round of golf, and I’ll never say no to a Diet Coke. You’ll probably find me with my German Shepherd named Mocha, who is my constant companion and reminds me to slow down and be present.
Q: What does success look like to you right now?
A: Right now, success to me means making time for the things that ground me: personal relationships, quiet moments, and routines that keep me centered. I strive to have a good work/life balance, which means living in a way that reflects who I am and what matters most to me.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: People are often surprised to learn I’m a police officer. As a 5’3″ female, I don’t exactly fit the stereotype. However, I think that is part of the point. It is a reminder that my job isn’t about fitting an image; it’s about integrity, skill, and commitment.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
A: I wish I had learned earlier that growth does not come from pleasing everyone. True growth comes from effort, good intentions, and hard work. It means staying grounded in your values and being willing to stand by them, even when it is uncomfortable.
Q: Where do you hope to make the biggest impact over the next five years?
A: Over the next five years, I hope to make the biggest impact by strengthening trust and accountability within the Fargo community I serve. I want my work to show that policing isn’t just about enforcement; it’s about relationships, fairness, and consistency. As I continue on in my years of service, I hope to mentor new officers and instill these qualities in them that were instilled in me by my predecessors.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: The best advice I have ever received is “Always do the right thing, even when no one is watching.” I think it is incredibly important to be accountable to yourself. That guidance has shaped how I approach both my work and my life
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: The United Way of Cass-Clay is important to me because it strengthens the community from the ground up. It brings people, resources, and organizations together to tackle real challenges and helps ensure that support reaches those who need it most. I value being a part of a community that looks out for one another, and The United Way embodies that spirit of collaboration, care, and impact. Knowing that the work they do can make a tangible difference is what makes it meaningful to me.
Q: Do you have any book and/or podcast recommendations for people out there?
A: I firmly believe everyone should read “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins and “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk. These books will change your life; they changed mine.
