Montana State Law Enforcement

Montana Department of Justice

Montana Department of Justice

The Department of Justice is Montana’s top law enforcement and legal agency. We work in every corner of the state by:

  • Maintaining public safety
  • Prosecuting criminals
  • Registering vehicles, licensing drivers, and more
  • Representing the state of Montana in court

We are the Montana Highway Patrol. We are Montana State Crime Lab and the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. We are the Sexual and Violent Offender Registry and the Office of Consumer Protection. We are the lawyers who defend Montana in court and the lawyers who file suit on the state’s behalf when Montana has been wronged.

Montana Division of Criminal Investigations

Montana Division of Criminal Investigations

The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) at the Montana Department of Justice is involved in many aspects of Montana law enforcement and is integral to the Department of Justice’s mission of promoting public safety. The divisions consist of the following bureaus:

  • Children’s Justice Bureau
  • Crime Information Bureau
  • Investigations Bureau
  • Montana Law Enforcement Academy
  • Narcotics Bureau

Montana Department of Corrections

Montana Department of Corrections

The Montana Department of Corrections staff enhances public safety, supports the victims of crime, promotes positive change in offender behavior, and reintegrates offenders into the community. 

The vision of the Montana Department of Corrections is for Montana to have the lowest recidivism rate in the nation while our values are to be professional, proud, and positive. Our goals include: 

  • For department employees, to increase pride through increased professionalism
  • For offenders, to increase public safety through reduced recidivism
  • For the public, to inform and educate through effective communication
  • For victims, to increase victim safety and peace of mind by providing accurate, timely information and support

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) are mandated by Montana law to protect, perpetuate, enhance and regulate the wise use of the state’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of the general public. The Law Enforcement Bureau has a specific role in meeting this mandate by maintaining a strong commitment to managing wildlife and its environment and Montana’s hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreation heritage. FWP Wardens accomplish this through education and achieving the cooperation of all constituency groups in assuring compliance with Montana state laws, department regulations, and federal, tribal, and international laws.

Montana Highway Patrol

Montana Highway Patrol

The mission of the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) is to ensure a safe and secure environment in Montana for all persons by providing professional law enforcement through responsive, courteous, caring, and dedicated services. The MHP is a progressive law enforcement agency using technology and training to provide exemplary service to the citizens of Montana. In addition, the MHP is committed to reducing the amount of criminal activity on all Montana highways and roads by:

  • Apprehending fugitives
  • Confiscating illegal drugs and weapons
  • Cooperating with all enforcement task forces
  • Recovering stolen vehicles
  • Sharing intelligence with partner law enforcement agencies at the national, state, and local levels