Patrol Services Bureau

Patrol Bureau

The men and women who work in our patrol bureau are dedicated to this community. Our uniformed officers are the people that respond to the 9-1-1 calls you make. They are the front-line community responders for the City of Great Falls. In 2009, our patrol officers handled over 45,000 incidents. We provide service around the clock, 365 days a year.

Each of the three patrol teams consists of one Lieutenant, two Sergeants and ten Officers. These Officers work five days on and have three days off. The swing shift patrol team consists of one Sergeant, four Officers and two K9 Units. Officers on this shift have set days off, Sunday through Tuesday. In addition, we offer Bike Patrol to those who are certified; which is community-oriented and allows further interaction between officers and our Great Falls citizens.

Our patrol officers are sworn to enforce all federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Our patrol officers maintain peace and order, as well as protect lives and property of all persons within our community. Our officers will take appropriate police action, within the limits of legal authority, whenever and wherever required, to maintain peace and order. All GFPD officers will maintain professional decorum and display a proper attitude in all dealings with citizens. From time to time, the patrol officer may be detailed to other specialized duties as required and directed by the Chief of Police. Some patrol officers are also members of the HRU (High Risk Unit) team and can be called away from patrol if a high risk situation arises.

In addition, patrol officers are responsible for answering calls for service, patrolling assigned areas, investigating motor vehicle collisions, enforcing traffic laws and criminal statutes, and completing written reports and other documents as required. Our new police officers spend their first 14 weeks on patrol with a Field Training Officer (FTO). The FTOs are on-the-job teachers and mentors for the officers that have just completed the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena, MT. The Patrol Shift Supervisor can be reached at (406) 771-1180.