Patrol Services Bureau

The Patrol Services Bureau is directed by Captain Doug Otto who was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2021 and assigned to lead the Bureau in 2024.  Captain Otto has previously served in the Investigative Service Bureau and as Captain for the Support Services Bureau.  Captain Otto is a 28 year Veteran of the Great Falls Police Department.  He is also a 2019 graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, Session #277.

Our Patrol Bureau officers are the uniformed men and women dedicated to protecting our community around the clock, every day. They are the front-line responders for the City of Great Falls, answering over 43,000 emergency and non-emergency calls each year.

Our patrol officers are sworn to enforce all federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Patrol officers are responsible for patrolling assigned areas, investigating motor vehicle collisions, enforcing traffic laws and criminal statutes, and completing written reports and other documents as required. They maintain peace and order, as well as protect lives and property of all persons within our community. All GFPD officers maintain professional decorum and display a proper attitude in all dealings with citizens.

We staff two traditional patrol teams, each consisting of one lieutenant, 5 sergeants, and 21 officers when fully staffed. These teams work 10 hour and 40 minute shifts with 5 days on and 4 days off.  In addition the Patrol Bureau houses the Directed Enforcement Team (DET) which consists of 1 Sergeant and 4 officers.  When fully staffed the Patrol Services Bureau consists of, 58 Sworn Officers and 2 civilian staff. 

 We have worked hard to develop and utilize our DDACTS (Data Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety) program, and 2-4 officers are assigned to the DDACTS Area each shift. This allows us to provide high visibility traffic enforcement to reduce crashes and crime in the targeted area.

From time to time, patrol officers may be detailed to other specialized duties as required and directed by the Chief of Police. Some officers are also members of the HRU (High Risk Unit) team and can be called away from patrol if a high risk situation arises.