The Montana State University Police Department (MSUPD) provides police and emergency services on a continual 24-hour basis throughout the year. The police department is in the Roy Huffman Building and is always open to the public. The Department maintains the Crime Log on our web page, which is accessible to the public and provides the most recent reports of police activity. The Montana State University Police Department is comprised of 22 full-time police officers, one part-time police officer, and nine civilian staff.

MSUPD is the agency having primary law enforcement jurisdiction on MSU property. As such, it is responsible for enforcing local, state, and federal laws as well as university policies and procedures. State statute gives MSUPD Officers full jurisdiction on all property owned by the Montana University System and within one mile of such properties for campus-related activities. Additionally, the University Police operate under a mutual-aid agreement with the City of Bozeman giving them full jurisdiction within the city limits.

In addition to its law enforcement role, MSUPD provides the following services: safety, security, first responder for fire, medical, and hazardous material incidents, traffic control, accident investigation, crime prevention, education, services to motorists, liaise with local, state, and federal law enforcement and security organizations, and oversight of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). MSUPD has responsibility for first response in the event of an active shooter or similar incident and as such routinely trains to respond to such threats. Additionally, the Department has responsibility for the security and protection of all University physical property and assets. University campuses are unique settings, due in large part to diverse populations. This requires the use of a community-based approach to law enforcement. Because of this, the department’s primary orientation is law enforcement coupled with a focus on community policing, crime prevention, and community service.

Members of the department are truly dedicated to the concept of providing both a timely and effective service to the university community and its visitors. The department utilizes police cars, bicycles, and foot patrols to ensure accessibility to the community on a 24-hour basis. Department staff routinely provides a myriad of public safety services such as jump starts and unlocking cars, first responder for medical assistance, personal safety escorts and money escorts, motorists’ assistance, security checks in the family housing areas, and assistance with campus directions and information. Police Officers conduct traffic accident investigation, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, law enforcement, security patrols of campus buildings and common areas, response to fire alarms, security at athletic and concert events, and crime prevention activities such as presentations to student organizations and registration of student bicycles.