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Wagon trains near the area of what is now E. Main, between Rouse and Church (1872) 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. 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. Police Officers from the Early Days
Officer Joe Didawick, first Bozeman Police Officer (1883) |
Officer Frank Latta (L) and Bill Shelton (1908) Chief Elias Hardin Williams (1907-09)
Officer Pete Jenkins (1929)
Chief Roy Embry (1940's)
Officer Carl Koeber (1940's)
North Rouse Police Station (1940's)
Chief Vern Saunders (L) and Captain Bennie Davis (1950's)
Officers at the North Rouse office (1968)
Patrol cars at North Rouse office (1970's)
Patrol cars at North Rouse Office (1980's)
(Above photos courtesy of officers, their families of the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman,MT.)
The Past...... The Present.......
City
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Past Chiefs of Police:
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16) A.E. Westlake 1912 – 1915
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*After 2001, the Bozeman Police Department Police Chief title was changed to Director of Public Safety, overseeing the Police and Fire Department. In 2005, the Director of Public Safety returned to sole supervision over the Police Department, but holds the title of "Director of Public Safety-Police".
Many of the police chiefs worked for the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office in some capacity either as Deputy, Under Sheriff or Sheriff. Most police chiefs in the early years worked more than one job or held more than one position within the city or county government.
Police Department monthly salaries
1883 to 2009
1883: City
Night Watchman $90
1912: Chief of Police $125
Officer $100
1939: Janitor/Jailer $125
1951: Chief of Police $300
Officer $225
1960: Chief of Police $563
Captain $480
Sergeant $440
Officer $382
Dog
1968: Chief of Police $775
Captain $634
Sergeant $626
Officer $522
1998: Sergeant (6+ years) $3,014
Officer (based on 6 years) $2,716
Probation Period (1st year) $1,950
2000: Sergeant (6+ years) $3,333
Officer (based on 6 years) $2,967
Probation Period (1st year) $2,515
2002: Sergeant (6+ years) $3,605
Officer (based on 6 years) $3,209
Probation Period (1st year) $2,668
2004: Sergeant (6+ years) $3,974
Officer (based on 6 years) $3,538
Probation Period (1st year) $2,885
2006: Sergeant (6+ years) $4,249
Officer (based on 6 years) $3,813
Probation Period (1st year) $3,160
2007: Sergeant (based on 12 years) $4,723
Officer (based on 6 years) $3,895
Probationary Officer (1st year)$3,418
2008: Sergeant (based on 12 years) $4,873
Officer (based on 6 years) $4,032
Probationary Officer (1st year) $3,538
2009: Sergeant (based on 12 years) $5,081
Officer (based on 6 years) $4,173
Probationary Officer (1st year) $3,662