The Sheriff of Missoula County is an elected official and serves as both the chief law enforcement officer and coroner. The Sheriff is responsible for the enforcement of state statutes and county laws within the 2,618 square miles within Missoula County.

Sheriff Milton W. Tipton was the first appointed sheriff after Missoula was designated as a County in 1860. In 1861, William T. Hamilton took the reins as the second Sheriff of Missoula County and built the first settlement in Missoula at the mouth of the Rattlesnake.

These two pioneers carved the way for the motto we serve under today: The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office is committed to safeguarding the lives and property of our community. We will serve with integerity, professionalism, and honor.

• City of Missoula Police Department - (406) 552-6300

• University of Montana Police Department - (406) 243-6131

• Montana Highway Patrol - (406) 444-3278

This department is funded through the public safety fund and the detention facility line items on your tax bill.