The Montana State University Police Department (UPD) strives to have our campus rank among the safest in the country, and that safety is achieved only when law enforcement and community partner to reduce crime and the fear of crime. UPD has adopted a collaborative approach with our stakeholders and community members related to common areas of concern and we understand that sustainable partnerships are built upon a foundation of trust and transparency. UPD endeavors to bolster the transparency of our operations by providing timely and accurate information.  

UPD embraces diverse perspectives and has a duty to enforce the constitutional rights of all citizens, whether under the United States or Montana constitutions. Officers responding to a call for service are expected to impartially and factually document and investigate all reported crimes. UPD does not discriminate based on political affiliation, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, or other bias. The department does not engage in political activities, endorse candidates, or release political statements. We are proud representatives of the Montana University System and reflect the values of our community by providing equal protection and service to all.

We trust the information provided below thoroughly communicates our efforts to provide quality law enforcement services to community members by placing the highest value on professional service, best practices, constitutional protections, and the sanctity of human life.

View or download the current report

Access the Montana State University Police Department Transparency and Impartial Policing reports below. All reports are in an accessible web and/or accessible document format. To view or print the report in PDF format, your device requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Instructions to download Adobe Acrobat Reader are available at the bottom of this page.

Current Year Report

2024

Transparency and Impartial Policing Report (2024) - Downloadable PDF Version

Previous Year Report

2023

Transparency and Impartial Policing Report (2023) - Downloadable PDF Version

 

2022

Transparency and Impartial Policing Report (2022) - Downloadable PDF Version

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Conduct & Complaints

Montana State University Police employees always work to provide the highest level of customer service and professionalism. Members shall conduct themselves, whether on- or off-duty, in accordance with the U.S. and Montana constitutions and all applicable laws, ordinances, and rules enacted or established. Officers are expected to fairly and impartially protect the rights of all citizens and treat others with due respect and compassion.

UPD holds the highest standards for our staff members as representatives of Montana State University, law enforcement, and the community we serve. The department takes seriously all complaints regarding the service provided by UPD and the conduct of its members. The department will accept and address all complaints of misconduct in accordance with policy and applicable federal, state, and local law and municipal and county rules and the requirements of any collective bargaining agreements. It is also the policy of this department to ensure that the community can report misconduct without concern for reprisal or retaliation.

All feedback, whether positive and negative, regarding the conduct of our employees is welcome. To submit a comment or complaint, or to learn more about the administrative investigation process, please email police@montana.edu.

All complaints are reviewed by police administration and thoroughly investigated to ensure standards of conduct are being met.

  • Personnel complaints include any allegation of misconduct or improper job performance that, if true, would constitute a violation of department policy or federal, state, or local law, policy, or rule. Personnel complaints may be generated internally or by the public.
  • Inquiries about conduct or performance that, if true, would not violate department policy or federal, state, or local law, policy, or rule may be handled informally by a supervisor and shall not be considered a personnel complaint. Such inquiries generally include clarification regarding policy, procedures, or the response to specific incidents by the department.

Causes for discipline may include:

  • violations of law or policy
  • unethical behavior
  • discrimination
  • improper relationships
  • unauthorized disclosure or use of information
  • neglect of duty
  • falsification
  • unsafe work practices.

Early intervention, remedial training, educational opportunities, and comprehension of policy and procedure are frequently addressed by supervisors to mitigate these factors.

An internal investigation consists of reviewing all available evidence such as complainant statements, witness statements, body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, GPS location information, or other items to ensure an accurate resolution is reached.

The chief of police or the authorized designee shall notify the Montana POST Council whenever any officer resigns or is terminated because of any disciplinary action. The notification shall be made within 10 days of the resignation or termination (§ 7-32-303, MCA).

File a Complaint or Commendation

  1. Please review the information provided above to learn about the administrative investigation process.
  2. Send an email to police@montana.edu with the details of your complaint or commendation.
  3. Await a response from Montana State University Police administrative staff.