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.
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.