The Patrol Division is the backbone of the department. This division is the largest and most visible. It operates 24 hours a day, every day.
Patrol officers are the first responders to most incidents. The Gallatin County 911 Communications Center will dispatch them to incidents. They may also observe an incident while patrolling.
Every shift is different. Patrol officers respond to all types of calls. They might go from a major accident to a photo opportunity with local children!
Patrol officers train in many different skills. Each officer starts with three weeks of initial training. Then they complete a 12 week session at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena. Finally, they graduate from the department’s 14-week Field Training and Evaluation Program. They then train regularly to keep those skills sharp.
Our patrol officers patrol on foot, bicycles, motorcycles, and cars. They also patrol with K-9s and sometimes use unmarked patrol cars. We assign our patrol officers to a "beat," or division of the City. This decreases response times and proactively polices Bozeman. Mobile Data Computers and Computer Aided Dispatch spread our officers out over the City. Sometimes, officers cross into other beats. They help with high-priority calls or support other officers in high-risk situations.
Patrol officers also function as Field Training Officers, Special Response Team members, Honor Guard members, Negotiators, Crisis Intervention Team members, Arson Investigators, Crash Reconstruction Specialists, and instructors.
Our patrol officers police proactively, prevent crime, and work with the community to keep Bozeman the most livable place.
