History of the Police Department

There are many things to be said about law enforcement in the latter part of the 1800's and most stories summon up frontier outlaws, vigilantism, legends and some folklore. Some are true, while others are not. But none-the-less, all plant the feeling of the wild and wooly west, dusty trails, wooden plank side walks, log cabins, six shooters and an aura of romanticism. Bozeman does have its share of the wild west and last frontier stories however in law enforcement it is quite subdued and far from the O. K. Corral reality.

Wagon trains near the area of what is now E. Main, between Rouse and Church (1872)

At the first meeting of the newly formed City Council held on April 12, 1883, they formed a permanent organization and formally commenced the government of Bozeman. Also on this day, they appointed Jacob Oakwood as first City Marshall and hired George Herendeen and Joe Didawick to serve as officers. Oakwood worked during the day and his officers were on the night watch. Oakwood and his officers were paid $115 and $90 per month, respectively.