PATROL
Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office currently consists of 74 sworn positions to include the Sheriff and Undersheriff. The Sheriff’s Office is comprised of three sections: Valley, Big Sky/West Yellowstone, and Manhattan/Three Forks. The Patrol division operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office serves a population of 119,000 and is approximately 2,632 square miles. Deputies assigned to the greater Gallatin Valley area primarily serve the communities throughout Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan, Logan, Gallatin Gateway, Four Corners, Churchill, Amsterdam, Maudlow, Clarkston, and Sedan. We also work closely with Bozeman, Belgrade, and Manhattan police departments.
Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office currently consists of 70 sworn positions to include the Sheriff and Undersheriff. The Sheriff’s Office is comprised of three sections: Valley, Big Sky/West Yellowstone, and Manhattan/Three Forks. The Patrol division operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
BIG SKY, YELLOWSTONE, THREE FORKS OFFICE
The Sheriff’s Office Canyon Section encompasses the southern portions of Gallatin County to include Big Sky and West Yellowstone. West Yellowstone is in southwestern Montana just 1.5 miles from Wyoming and 8 miles from Idaho. It shares a common border with Yellowstone National Park and is the Park’s only western gateway. West Yellowstone considers itself to be the “Hub of Yellowstone Country” because of its excellent location to all the wonders of Yellowstone National Park with the added benefit of all there is to explore and do in the area. The town’s size is approximately 49 square blocks with a population of approximately 1,500 year-round residents. The population can fluctuate to several thousand during height of tourist season. The elevation is 6,666 feet with peaks in the area reaching over 10,000 feet. The area is renowned for excellent hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, boating and is known as the snowmobile capital of the world
Big Sky is located 45 miles south of Bozeman. The community is a resort destination area that lies partially within Madison and Gallatin Counties. The largest industry in Big Sky and West Yellowstone is tourism. It is supported by multiple ski areas, and by the many lodging and recreational businesses. Whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall there is unparalleled recreation, scenery, and abundant wildlife to be found.
Deputies assigned to the Big Sky and West Yellowstone section, are also sworn officers with the National Park Service as well as sworn deputies with Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Our Office patrols this “Canyon Section” in conjunction with the West Yellowstone Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, National Forest Service, Yellowstone Park Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Montana Department of Livestock and Montana Highway Patrol.
Three Forks Section is in the town of Three Forks and includes the areas of Willow Creek, and Clarkston. The Sheriff’s Office patrols this area in conjunction with Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Montana Department of Livestock and Montana Highway Patrol.
Community Liaison/Animal Control
Community Liaison/Animal Control Officer provides services and protection to the animals and people of Gallatin County. Duties include code enforcement, patrolling for stray dogs, responding to complaints of dogs at large; nuisance barking; animal bite, vicious and dangerous dog complaints; and investigating animal cruelty and neglect complaints.
The Animal Control Officer enforces all laws pertaining to Dog Control Ordinance 2003-01.
For wildlife questions, contact Fish, Wildlife and Parks at 406-994-5700
Most pet issues should be directed to the Animal Control Officer. If you have any questions about the Gallatin County Dog Control Ordinances or any complaints, please call 406-582-2100.
BIKE PATROL
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office bike patrol program assists with public relations, community involvement, crime prevention, and patrol. We ride in subdivisions, business areas, and at special events both in and out of the county’s municipalities.
The bike officers’ goals are to be accessible to the community and create opportunities for the public to have positive interactions with law enforcement. We have assisted with Bozeman’s Sweet Pea Festival, the Three Forks Rodeo events, Manhattan’s Potato Festival, as well as many concerts and other special events in the county.
One of the primary goals is to detect and deter crime as it happens. The Bike Patrol gives us the ability to cover areas inaccessible by vehicles, and to cover larger areas than what can be covered on foot.
Community Liaison/Animal Control
Community Liaison/Animal Control Officer provides services and protection to the animals and people of Gallatin County. Duties include code enforcement, patrolling for stray dogs, responding to complaints of dogs at large; nuisance barking; animal bite, vicious and dangerous dog complaints; and investigating animal cruelty and neglect complaints.
The Animal Control Officer enforces all laws pertaining to Dog Control Ordinance 2003-01.
For wildlife questions, contact Fish, Wildlife and Parks at 406-994-5700
Most pet issues should be directed to the Animal Control Officer. If you have any questions about the Gallatin County Dog Control Ordinances or any complaints, please call 406-582-2100.
BIKE PATROL
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office bike patrol program assists with public relations, community involvement, crime prevention, and patrol. We ride in subdivisions, business areas, and at special events both in and out of the county’s municipalities.
The bike officers’ goals are to be accessible to the community and create opportunities for the public to have positive interactions with law enforcement. We have assisted with Bozeman’s Sweet Pea Festival, the Three Forks Rodeo events, Manhattan’s Potato Festival, as well as many concerts and other special events in the county.
One of the primary goals is to detect and deter crime as it happens. The Bike Patrol gives us the ability to cover areas inaccessible by vehicles, and to cover larger areas than what can be covered on foot.
MARINE PATROL
Deputies are deployed across popular recreational spots like Hebgen Lake and the Gallatin River. They navigate these waterways in well-equipped patrol boat designed for both speed, durability, and maneuverability, essential for handling the dynamic conditions of the region’s lakes and rivers.
Their patrols serve several critical functions. Firstly, they monitor compliance with boating regulations, which include checking for valid boating licenses, ensuring the proper use of life jackets, and verifying that vessels meet safety equipment requirements. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and ensures that everyone adheres to safety standards. Additionally, deputies are tasked with enforcing rules regarding alcohol consumption and the operation of watercraft to prevent impaired boating, which is a factor in 30% of boating accidents nationwide.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit is a dedicated force ensuring the safety, compliance, and emergency response on the county’s waterways. Through diligent patrols, effective enforcement, and rapid response to emergencies, they play an essential role in safeguarding the community and enhancing the enjoyment of Gallatin County’s natural aquatic treasures.
SPECIAL WEAPONS & TACTICS
Special Weapons and Tatics (SWAT) is a combined team of experienced law enforcement officers from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department, and Belgrade Police Department. Deputies are selected, trained and equipped to work as a coordinated team to resolve critical incidents that are so hazardous, complex, or unusual that they may exceed the capabilities of first responders or investigative units. Use of the team includes, but is not limited to, barricaded suspects, manhunts, hostage situations, high risk warrant service, officer/civilian rescue, dignitary protection and large event coverage.
Our team trains a minimum of 16 hours per month for each team member in preparation for such threats with the primary goal being to help save lives and protect the community. The team consists of 24 members with auxiliary units of 6 Tactical EMS members, 2 drivers and 10 Crisis Negotiators.
MARINE PATROL
Deputies are deployed across popular recreational spots like Hebgen Lake and the Gallatin River. They navigate these waterways in well-equipped patrol boat designed for both speed, durability, and maneuverability, essential for handling the dynamic conditions of the region’s lakes and rivers.
Their patrols serve several critical functions. Firstly, they monitor compliance with boating regulations, which include checking for valid boating licenses, ensuring the proper use of life jackets, and verifying that vessels meet safety equipment requirements. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and ensures that everyone adheres to safety standards. Additionally, deputies are tasked with enforcing rules regarding alcohol consumption and the operation of watercraft to prevent impaired boating, which is a factor in 30% of boating accidents nationwide.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit is a dedicated force ensuring the safety, compliance, and emergency response on the county’s waterways. Through diligent patrols, effective enforcement, and rapid response to emergencies, they play an essential role in safeguarding the community and enhancing the enjoyment of Gallatin County’s natural aquatic treasures.
SPECIAL WEAPONS & TACTICS
Special Weapons and Tatics (SWAT) is a combined team of experienced law enforcement officers from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department, and Belgrade Police Department. Deputies are selected, trained and equipped to work as a coordinated team to resolve critical incidents that are so hazardous, complex, or unusual that they may exceed the capabilities of first responders or investigative units. Use of the team includes, but is not limited to, barricaded suspects, manhunts, hostage situations, high risk warrant service, officer/civilian rescue, dignitary protection and large event coverage.
Our team trains a minimum of 16 hours per month for each team member in preparation for such threats with the primary goal being to help save lives and protect the community. The team consists of 24 members with auxiliary units of 6 Tactical EMS members, 2 drivers and 10 Crisis Negotiators.
K-9
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Program consists of three dog teams with one handler who is a departmental trainer. The teams support the Patrol Deputies who may need assistance in locating illegal narcotics, tracking fleeing suspects, performing article searches for evidence or searching buildings or open areas for hiding suspects. They also commonly assist other agencies with K-9 requests, as well.
MEET THE TEAM
BRUX
Breed: German Shepherd
DOB: February 14, 2018
Serving Since: 2020
CUDDLES
Breed: German Shepherd
DOB: March 14, 2020
Serving Since: 2020
LETO
Breed: Belgian Malinois
DOB: Born in 2022
Serving Since: 2024
Mounted Patrol
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol was established in the summer of 2015 and are certified by the Jackson Police Department in Jackson, WY.
The Mounted Patrol attends special events throughout the valley and provides extra patrol in areas such as fishing accesses and neighborhoods. In addition to making law enforcement more approachable to the public, the Mounted Patrol has a unique vantage point in crowded environments that allows them to be more visible to the public and spot disturbances from a distance. They are also trained to assist with traffic and crowd control.
MEET THE TEAM
GUNNER
Breed: Quarter Horse
Height: 15.3 Hands
DOB: April 24, 2006
Serving Since: 2015
Fun Facts: Gunner and Deputy Stewart started the GCSO Mounted Unit in 2014. His favorite part of his job is interacting with children, keeping watch over large crowds, and having his picture taken. When he is not working, Gunner enjoys taking long walks on the beach and afternoon naps.
KAISER
Breed: Quarter Horse
Height: 15.3 Hands
DOB: June 1, 2008
Serving Since: 2023
Fun Facts: Before becoming a police horse, Kaiser grew up on a ranch. Ranch work made him brave and confident to tackle new challenges. When he is not on patrol, Kaiser enjoys working cows, skijor racing, and eating his grain.
GUNNER
Breed: Quarter Horse
Height: 15.3 Hands
DOB: April 24, 2006
Serving Since: 2015
Fun Facts: Gunner and Deputy Stewart started the GCSO Mounted Unit in 2014. His favorite part of his job is interacting with children, keeping watch over large crowds, and having his picture taken. When he is not working, Gunner enjoys taking long walks on the beach and afternoon naps.
KAISER
Breed: Quarter Horse
Height: 15.3 Hands
DOB: June 1, 2008
Serving Since: 2023
Fun Facts: Before becoming a police horse, Kaiser grew up on a ranch. Ranch work made him brave and confident to tackle new challenges. When he is not on patrol, Kaiser enjoys working cows, skijor racing, and eating his grain.
SMITTY
Breed: Quarter Horse
Height: 15.3 Hands
DOB: May 5, 2001
Serving Since: 2020
Fun Facts: Smitty is all business when she is on patrol. Her calm demeanor and confidence help our less experienced horses feel comfortable in new situations. When Smitty is not on patrol, she is a working ranch horse on a large cattle ranch. She enjoys chasing cows and covering ground – this mare is FAST!
GIDEON
Breed: Percheron/Freisian
Height: 17 Hands
DOB: May 5, 2007
Serving Since: 2024
Fun Facts: Gideon is GCSO’s largest patrol horse, but he is a gentle giant. He is an all-around type of horse who will go any direction he is pointed. He loves spending time with his mounted patrol partner, Crow, and visiting with children. When not on patrol, Gideon works on a cattle ranch.
SMITTY
Height: 15.3 Hands
DOB: May 5, 2001
Serving Since: 2020
Fun Facts: Smitty is all business when she is on patrol. Her calm demeanor and confidence help our less experienced horses feel comfortable in new situations. When Smitty is not on patrol, she is a working ranch horse on a large cattle ranch. She enjoys chasing cows and covering ground – this mare is FAST!
GIDEON
Height: 17 Hands
DOB: May 5, 2007
Serving Since: 2024
Fun Facts: Gideon is GCSO’s largest patrol horse, but he is a gentle giant. He is an all-around type of horse who will go any direction he is pointed. He loves spending time with his mounted patrol partner, Crow, and visiting with children. When not on patrol, Gideon works on a cattle ranch.
CROW
Breed: Quarter Horse
Height: 16 Hands
DOB: May 12, 2024
Serving Since: 2024
Fun Facts: Crow is the son of another GCSO patrol horse, Smitty. They look so similar, sometimes it is hard to tell them apart. Crow has grown up working on a ranch, and loves to rope cattle. Crow is a youngster, so he enjoys seeing new places and experiencing new things while on patrol.
CROW
Breed: Quarter Horse
Height: 16 Hands
DOB: May 12, 2024
Serving Since: 2024
Fun Facts: Crow is the son of another GCSO patrol horse, Smitty. They look so similar, sometimes it is hard to tell them apart. Crow has grown up working on a ranch, and loves to rope cattle. Crow is a youngster, so he enjoys seeing new places and experiencing new things while on patrol.
