---
title: What is the Role of Police Commission in the Grievance Process?
description: Montana law grants police officers the right to appeal discipline through an independent Police Commission. Learn procedures under MCA 7-32-4151 to 7-32-4164.
---

[Skip to content](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-role-of-police-commission-in-the-grievance-process#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

[More support](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Ticket System Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)

[![LGC Color-1](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/LGC%20Color-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=LGC%20Color-1.png)](https://www.montana.edu/extension/localgov/index.html)

- [Submit a Ticket](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [View Tickets](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Subscribers Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Submit a Ticket](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [View Tickets](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Subscribers Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)
- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [More support](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [Ticket System Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)

[Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)

 How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [MSU Extension Local Government Center](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base?hsLang=en)
2. [White papers](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers?hsLang=en)

December 23, 2025

# What is the Role of Police Commission in the Grievance Process?

## Police Commission Appeals and Grievance Rights for Montana Officers

Police officer grievances are brought before the Police Commission, which is governed by MCA 7‐32‐4151 through 7-32­4164. The Police Commission is designed to provide a forum that is separate and independent from the police department and acts as an appeal board for police officers. Specifically, MCA 7-32-4155 sets forth the role of the police commission in hearing and deciding appeals brought by police officers, as follows:  
Montana Municipal Officials Handbook 104  
1\. The police commission shall hear and decide appeals brought by any member or officer of the police department who has been disciplined, suspended, removed, or discharged by an order of the mayor, city manager, or chief executive.  
2\. The police commission shall, at the time set for hearing an appeal of a police officer, hear and determine the appeal according to the rules of evidence applicable to courts of record in the state.  
More information can be attained by reading the Montana Police Commission Handbook, which has been prepared by the Montana Board of Crime Control. A copy of the handbook can be found here or contact the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (406) 444‐9950 or visit their website.

- [FAQs](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/faqs?hsLang=en)
- [Process guides](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/process-guides?hsLang=en)
- [White papers](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Voter Review](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers?hsLang=en#voter-review)
- [Glossary of terms](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/glossary-of-terms?hsLang=en)
- [Product or service descriptions](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/product-or-service-descriptions?hsLang=en)
- [Online Courses](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/online-courses?hsLang=en)

- [LGC Services and Pricing](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/service-and-pricing)
- [Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)
- [Ask the LGC Team a Question](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2_ory1YLOQQe3qA3hzpNAkg)

[![LGC Color-2](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/LGC%20Color-2.png?width=100&height=100&name=LGC%20Color-2.png "LGC Color-2")](https://www.montana.edu/extension/localgov/index.html)

Resources prepared by the MSU Extension Local Government Center are intended for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For interpretation or application of the law, please consult qualified legal counsel. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

Copyright © 2026