The Patrol Division is the backbone of the Bozeman Police Department by being responsible for a number of important services and tasks for the entire department, to include Motorcycle Patrol, Bicycle Patrol, K9 Patrol, the Special Response Team, Honor Guard and the Civil Disturbance Unit.
Patrol officers are the first responders to many incidents either by being dispatched from the Gallatin County 9-1-1 center or by seeing a situation as it is occurring. Our patrol officers have a strong commitment to proactive policing, crime prevention, and working with the community
Because they come across a wide variety of incidents in their day-to-day work, patrol officers are given training in many different skill sets and undergo mandatory training throughout their careers to keep their skills sharp. Each patrol officer must complete the department’s 15 week Field Training Evaluation Program and another 12 weeks at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena to ensure all officers are capable and comfortable in performing their duties independently, legally and safely.
Patrol officers provide around the clock service to Bozeman residents and visitors. Our officers are assigned to a "beat" or division of the city, with the goal to decrease response times and increase proactive policing. With the use of Mobile Data Computers and Computer Aided Dispatch, our officers are more effectively dispersed, but cross into other beats to handle high priority calls or backing up other officers with high-risk situations.