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BOZEMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
~~ Law & jusT~cc CcnTCR
' ~ 615 SouTh 16Th Avcnu~
-~~- _~~p< Bozcman, MT 59715
A,N ao M
(406 582-2000
' 7DD/TTY 582-2001 FAX 582-2002
The History
of the
Bozeman Police Department
'
1 by
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1
' Larry Conner
Bozeman Police Department
1972 - 1997
1 ScRVinG S~ncc Apn~1 12, 1883
' '
T e H
h >~story of the
'
Bozeman Police De artment
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1
Dedication 1
' Preface 2
Chapter 1 Bozeman Before Incorporation 3 - S
' Chapter 2
Chapter 3 The First Meeting of the Bozeman City Council
Bozeman Police Department Established 6 - 7
$ - 10
Chapter 4 Posting of City Ordinances 11 - 12
Chapter 5 Ordinances of Beginning 13 - 16
' Chapter 6 "Chief of Police" Established 17 - 21
Chapter 7 Day Book & Blotter 22 - 49
Chapter 8 History Tidbits 50 - 60
' Chapter 9 Ordinance No. 732 61 - 63
Chapter 10 Board of Trustees First Meeting 64 - 68
Chapter 11 Bowman's Retired Officers 69 - 70
' Chapter 12 Chiefs ofPolice 71 - 73
Chapter 13 The Norris Scrapbook 74 - 76
Chapter 14 Prastitutian in Early Bozeman 77 - $$
Chapter 15 More Tidbits ' 89 - 94
' Supplemental pages (30) are contain at the end of the book. These are copies of
original reports and letters from past Chiefs of Police.
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Dedication
History
of the
Bozeman Police Department
' I would like to dedicate this writing of the history on the Bozeman Police
Department to all the men and women of the Police Department, bath present and past,
' who have served their community with enthusiasm and pride and to the citizens of
Bozeman who I have enjoyed serving for 25 years
.
Avery special dedication must go to my family. Karyn has stood beside me since
' 1972 when times were both good and bad and her support and encouragement kept me
moving forwazd and to our two sans, JJ and Michael.
u
I would also like to thank all those who assisted with providing historical
information and some of the photographs that are being displayed at the Bozeman Police
Department that would have otherwise never been gathered. A special thanks to the
Gallatin County Historical Society staff and especially Phyllis Smith for their
contributions and assistance.
Larry Conner
1972 to 1997
Department Mission Statement
To seek and find ways to affirmatively promote, preserve and deliver a
feeling of security, safety, and quality services to members of the community, in a
manner consistent with the freedoms secured by the United States Constitution.
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Preface
History of the Bozeman Folice Department
One hundred and thirteen years ago, the Bozeman Police force consisted of a City
Marshall who was elected annually by popular vote and two night watchmen who were
appointed by the Bozeman City Council.
By January 1996, the Bozeman Police Department had grown to 3S police
officers, including the Chief of Police who is appointed by the City Manager. In addition
to these officers, 12 non-law enforcement support people were employed at the Police
Department. These employees include 6 dispatchers, 1 records clerk, 1 animal control
officer, 2 parking control officers, 1 detective secretary and 1 evidence technician. By
September 1996, the staff increased to include an additional part-time secretary and 4
additional police officers bring the total sworn officers to 39.
The annual budget or expenses related to the Police Department in 1883 was
estimated to be around $5,000.00. By September 1996, the annual budget had grown to
$2,742,707.00 which included the following budgets: Police General Fund; 911
Program; Drug Forfeiture Fund; Police Special Revenue "DARE"; Downtown Parking
District; and Neighborhood Parking District.
In 1883, the City Council approved a payment of $1.50 for the purchase of six
police badges. The City Council also approved the payment of $20.96 for the "purchase
of necessary alarms, whistles, irons and handcuffs" for the police farce. Today, one
badge will cast $50.00 and handcuffs are $40.00 each.
The cast for transportation in 1883 was non-existent as officers "walked the
beat". Today, the police fleet consists of 20 vehicles, 4 bicycles, and 1 motorcycle.
Equipment and necessary costs that are added to the initial purchase expense of the
vehicle include; general maintenance, repairs service, fuel, police radio, light bar, spot
lights, radar, video camera, siren, screens or holding cage, first aid kit, fire extinguisher,
camera, mobile telephone, hand held intoxilizer, accident investigation equipment and
crime scene investigation equipment. In the near future, police vehicles will be equipped
with mobile data terminals which will allow access to the Criminal Justice Information
Center.
The challenge facing the Bozeman Police Department in future years will be
keeping up with changes in technology, satisfying the ever-increasing demands for new
and expanded levels of service, and having adequate manpower and the necessary
equipment to provide service and protection for the citizens of our community.
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