Community Involvement

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Community Announcements and Upcoming Events

Shop with A Cop

Each year, a group of children are chosen from the Bozeman area to participate in the Shop with a Cop program. Each child is paired with a Bozeman Police Officer for the afternoon. Local sponsors team up with members of the Bozeman Police Department to provide each child with a gift card to be spent at a local retail store.

The officer and child go shopping together for presents for each member of the child's family. When the shopping is finished, the child gets a ride in a Bozeman Police patrol car to the station, where they eat pizza and gift wrap the presents they have chosen. The event is a great way for these children to experience a positive one-on-one interaction with law enforcement officers.

Those interested in donating to this great event may contact the Bozeman Police Foundation.

Coffee with a Cop

The goal of Coffee with a Cop is to build relationships in order to better solve problems that affect our community. By eliminating all obstacles and distractions and meeting in a coffee shop, relaxed conversations can take place. There are no speeches and no specific topics. The event is just an informal conversation about what matters to Bozeman residents. No reservations are necessary. Just show up at the advertised time, have some coffee, and talk with us about whatever is on your mind!

The Bozeman Police Department held its first “Coffee with a Cop” event in July of 2015. Coffee with a Cop will take place every month in various locations across Bozeman. Check out our Bozeman Police Facebook page for times/dates.

Volunteer Opportunity!

The Bozeman Police Department is looking for a dedicated volunteer for the specific task of managing our radar/message board trailer program. This would include taking requests, speaking with citizens about the best placement of the trailer and deploying the trailers. If this important volunteer role sounds interesting to you or you have further questions, please reach out to Captain Joe Swanson.

Bozeman Police Foundation

The Bozeman Police Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering public safety through community building, education, and outreach.

For more information, please visit the Bozeman Police Foundation Page

Other Community-Involved Programs

CHRISTMAS STROLL

SHOP WITH A COP

Those interested in donating to this great event may contact the Bozeman Police Foundation.

KIDS, COPS, AND CATS

TIP-A-COP

KIDABALOO

BOZEMAN POLICE LANDLORD PARTNERSHIP

Landlords can pay a high price as a result of criminal activity on or around their property. They may experience declining property values, property damage, vacancies, and the expense of engaging in the eviction process. On the other hand, landlords are rewarded with a stable and satisfied tenant base when they apply consistent rental standards during the application process and future tenancy.

Whether a rental agency managing multiple units or a landlord with one rental, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about the impacts of loud parties, problem tenants, parking complaints, animal issues, and general neighborhood safety.

BUSINESS SECURITY

Commercial burglaries are often crimes of opportunity that occur after your business closes. With a few simple steps, you can take an active role in reducing your risk of becoming a victim.

First, consider how your property looks from the burglar’s view. The outward appearance and security of the building may determine if a business will be burglarized. An unlocked door or open window is an opportunity for a burglar to strike. Every opening represents a potential security breach and should be inspected. Update or install locks, lighting, and alarms.

Second, establish a closing routine or check list to make sure employees lock doors, windows and set the alarm. Build a rapport with nearby business owners to discuss problems or nuisances and then identify solutions that benefit everyone.

Business Security Checklist

HOME SECURITY

BPD officers residential and commercial security inspections for citizens of Bozeman

Burglary victims often feel vulnerable and violated as their personal space has been invaded. Residential burglaries statistically occur during the day while families are at work or school. The most common entry technique is a hard kick to the door, forcing the wooden jamb to give way. Household tools like hammers, screwdrivers, pry bars and pliers may be used to gain entry into your home.

Unfortunately, it is hard to catch burglars in the act and harder to catch them after the fact. While residential burglaries seem random in nature, there is a simple selection process. Unoccupied homes with easy or concealed access and quick escape routes are targeted. Once inside, burglars look for small, expensive items that are easily traded for cash. Favorite items include cash, jewelry, laptops, CD/DVD players, game consoles, watches, guns, and small electronic devices.

The Bozeman Police Department offers residential and commercial security inspections for the citizens of Bozeman. Residential burglaries statistically occur during the day while families are at work or school. With a few simple steps, you can take an active role in reducing your risk of becoming a victim.

Residence Security Checklist

RIDE-ALONG PROGRAM

To schedule a Ride-Along, please contact Lieutenant Hal Richardson by emailing him at hrichardson@bozeman.net

From the front seat of a patrol car, you can see what it is like to work a shift as a Bozeman Police officer. These unique experiences are available during both day shift and night shift on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Riders are welcome to stay for all or a portion of a 10-hours shift, but most people stay about 4-6 hours. Riders are paired with a patrol officer and given the opportunity to ride in the patrol vehicle as the officer responds to calls, interacts with citizens, and works proactively within the community.

Before riding, riders will be required to sign a waiver form and indicate understanding of the following rules and requirements:

Please wear conservative clothing suitable for contacting the public and the weather conditions. Tank tops, sleeveless shirts, exposed midriffs, cut-off shorts, worn out jeans and high heel shoes are not acceptable clothing. Clothing described as business casual is recommended.
Audio and video recorders, cameras and camera phones will not be allowed unless authorized by a command officer.
It is important that you do not interfere in the officer’s activities. Please hold any questions you may have until after the officer has completed the call or is no longer in contact with a victim, suspect, prisoner or witness. Please note that the officer may not be able to answer your questions at the time you ask; and/or due to privacy concerns, may not be able to fully answer your questions.
You may not engage in any police activity unless specifically directed by an officer and may not be armed with any type of weapon, as defined under MCA §41-2-101(79). Exceptions to being armed apply to currently certified and sworn officers.
You may not leave the police car or talk with victims, prisoners, suspects, witnesses or other persons contacted regarding police business without first obtaining permission from the officer.
Depending on the circumstance(s), you may be dropped off at a safe location during your ride along and either retrieved by another officer or a friend or family member.
You are riding in the capacity of an observer only. The officer is in complete control at all times.
Keep in mind that you may be listed as a witness to a criminal incident, which may require you to complete written and/or taped statement, as well as require you to appear before a court of law to testify on behalf of the State of Montana.
You may ride only once every six (6) months. This gives an opportunity to others that may wish to ride.
Failure to adhere to the above rules will result in termination of the ride and may result in suspension of all future ride requests.

City Of Bozeman