The police are law enforcement officers who usually take an oath (make a promise) to protect and serve their communities. Police officers—or collectively, police departments—enforce laws, investigate potential crimes, and make arrests.
In Montana, as in other states, police officers are sworn law enforcement officials who have taken an oath to protect and serve their communities. These officers are responsible for enforcing state laws and local ordinances. They perform various duties including patrolling neighborhoods, responding to emergency calls, investigating suspected criminal activity, and apprehending individuals suspected of breaking the law. Police departments, which are made up of these officers, operate under the authority of state statutes and are often governed by local municipal codes and policies. The Montana Code Annotated (MCA) provides the legal framework for law enforcement activities in the state, outlining the powers and duties of peace officers, the process for making arrests, and the procedures for conducting investigations. Additionally, federal laws also apply to police conduct, particularly in areas such as civil rights and the use of force.