Current Events

Public/Media Release – November 16, 2009

In light of a recent string of robberies the Bozeman Police Department would like local businesses and their employees to be aware of the following. If you are the victim of a robbery:

• Turn over the demanded money if it is available. Do not argue. No amount of money is worth your life.
• If the robber demands money you do not have access to (for example money in a safe), explain that you can not comply with their demand. It should be made clear that you are not refusing to do as you are told, but are simply unable to comply.
• If possible take note the offender’s physical features. This can be very important for police investigation. In particular:
  •  Note the physical size of the suspect. Are they thin, or heavy? How tall are they?
  • Note any distinguishing marks. Do they have any visible scars or tattoos?
  • Note distinguishing clothing characteristics. What is the color of the clothing and what type? (Grey sweater? Blue nylon jacket? Tan carhartt pants or tan slacks, etc.) Does the clothing have any distinguishing labels or designs?
  • Note any distinguishing physical characteristics. Does the offender have crooked teeth? Acne? Freckles?
  • Note the appearance of any weapons used. Note the color (finish) of the gun and type (revolver, semi-auto, rifle or shotgun, knife, etc.) If possible, note any specific characteristics of the weapon. (Wooden or plastic grips, etc)
• Take note of any items or areas that the offender touches. This may be useful for investigators to obtain fingerprints.
• Call 911 immediately as soon as the offender leaves. Secure your business and let the dispatcher know you are doing this so responding officers are aware the suspect is gone, and not inside the now locked business. If you can safely do so, observe which way the offender goes. If the offender enters a vehicle obtain as much information as you can about the make, model, color, plate number or other distinguishing characteristics and relay this to the dispatcher.
• Secure the area. Don’t touch or move anything the offender may have touched. Don’t let anyone into the area without first allowing law enforcement to process the scene.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Bozeman Police Department Detective Division at (406) 582-2010.

Public/Media Release – July 16, 2009

Skateboarding, rollerblading and use of similar devices

Several months ago, the Bozeman Police Department approached the City Commission with a recommended change to local ordinance. This change included restricting the use of skateboards, roller blades and similar devices on city facilities, to include the parking garage and parking lots. We recommended that because of hazardous conditions with traffic and pedestrians, that skateboarding or rollerblading in the downtown business district continue to be prohibited, both on the sidewalk or street. 

Prior to this change, skateboards and rollerblades were not allowed on any roadway in the City of Bozeman. However, we also recommended a change allowing for the use of skateboards and roller blades as an acceptable means of alternate transportation on roadways outside of the downtown business district, but only if done in a safe and prudent manner, consistent with that expected from drivers of motor vehicles and riders of bicycles. We recommended skateboarding and rollerblading be allowed, but the riders must ride with the traffic, on the right side of the road and obey all rules of the road. Additionally, riders must have reflective clothing and/or lights when riding at night.

Effective July 16, 2009, upon two hearings with the City Commission, this ordinance is in effect. Our department wants to encourage safe and responsible riding of skateboards and rollerblades in an acceptable manner and in proper locations. We will be enforcing the prohibition for users in the parking garage, on downtown streets or sidewalks or on city facilities. Violations involve fines of $25 for riding where unlawful, or fines of $135 or more, if riding a skateboard in violation of traffic laws, such as running a red light or careless driving.