Chaplain Program

What is a Police Chaplain?

A law enforcement chaplain is a clergy person with a passionate interest in, and the specialized training for pastoral care in the world of law enforcement. The chaplain’s ministry is a voluntary program that provides source of strength to our police personnel, their families and offering assistance when appropriate or requested.

What are some of the duties of a Police Chaplain?

The duties of a police chaplain include, but not limited to, the following:

• Assisting in making notification to families of department members who have been seriously injured or killed.
• Visiting sick or injured law enforcement personnel in the hospital or home.
• Attending and participating in funerals of active or retired members of the department.
• Support for Police Officers and civilians in time of need.
• Responding to natural, accidental deaths, suicides, attempted suicides, family disturbances and any other incidences where their presence is appropriate or requested.
• Counseling Officers and other personnel with personal problems, when requested.

What are the requirements to become a Police Chaplain?

• All applicants must possess a valid Montana driver’s license.
• Must have at least five years of successful ministry experience with a recognized church or religious denomination.
• Must manage their household, family, and personal affairs well.
• Must have a good reputation with those outside the church.
• Must successfully pass a series of interviews to determine suitability for the program.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation.

Chaplain Application(DOC, 33KB) 

Citizen Academy

Helena Police Department's Citizen Academy is an eight-week program for residents of the Helena area who are 18 and older. The program is designed to teach civilians about various aspects of law enforcement in the context of the criminal justice system. Most importantly, the Helena Police Department wants to continue to enhance the collaboration and partnership between the community and its Police Department. By allowing citizens a firsthand look at the Police Department and how its operations are handled, citizens take away a better understanding of the law enforcement role in the community and produce informed citizens. 

The Citizen Academy is designed to be interactive and involves lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, and an environment for open discussion. Topics include, but not limited to, the following: patrol operations, DUI enforcement, crime scene investigation, K9 demonstration, SWAT operations, and dispatch operations.

Academy classes will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The sessions are conducted by our own HPD Officers and staff.  

Fill out an application here: Citizen Academy Application(PDF, 218KB) and either email it to Erin at efitzpatrick@helenamt.gov, mail it to Erin at 406 Fuller Ave, Helena MT, 59601, or drop it off at the department.

Hope to see you there!

Active Shooter Classes (Run Lock Fight)

An Active Shooter Awareness and Response Class provides community members with practical information on how to recognize potential warning signs and respond effectively during an active shooter incident. The class focuses on personal safety strategies, situational awareness, and the widely recognized Run, Lock, Fight response model. Participants will learn how to quickly assess a dangerous situation, make informed decisions to protect themselves and others, and understand how law enforcement responds to these events. The goal of the training is to increase preparedness, reduce panic, and empower individuals with knowledge that can help save lives during critical incidents.

Bank Safety

A Bank Safety Presentation provides bank employees with practical information on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to crimes that commonly target financial institutions. The presentation covers topics such as robbery awareness, fraud and scam trends, suspicious behavior recognition, and safe response procedures during a robbery. Employees will also learn how to protect themselves and customers, preserve evidence, and effectively communicate with law enforcement during and after an incident. The goal of the presentation is to improve safety, awareness, and coordination between bank staff and law enforcement.

Business Safety Review

A Business Safety Review is a presentation provided by the Helena Police Department to help business owners and employees identify ways to improve the safety and security of their workplace. The review covers topics such as crime prevention strategies, recognizing suspicious activity, employee safety practices, and improving physical security measures like lighting, cameras, and access control. The goal is to help businesses reduce opportunities for crime, protect employees and customers, and strengthen communication with local law enforcement.

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design

A Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Class teaches community members and business owners how to use the physical environment to reduce crime opportunities. Helena Police officers explain strategies such as improving lighting, controlling access, maintaining clear sightlines, and designing spaces that encourage natural surveillance. The goal is to help participants create safer homes, businesses, and public areas by proactively using design and layout to deter criminal activity.

CPR/AED Training

A CPR & AED Class taught by Helena Police officers and staff provides participants with hands-on training in life-saving techniques for cardiac emergencies. Attendees learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations. The goal is to equip community members with the skills and confidence to save lives while waiting for professional medical help. 

Participants will be certified by the American Heart Association. 

A small fee is included with this class due to the certification and associated materials.  Please contact HPD for further details.

Guest Speaking

A Helena Police Department Guest Speaker Presentation provides organizations, schools, and community groups with the opportunity to hear directly from law enforcement professionals on a variety of public safety topics. Presentations can cover subjects such as crime prevention, community policing, personal safety, current crime trends, and the role of law enforcement in the community. The goal is to educate, build relationships, and promote open communication between law enforcement and the community.

Neighborhood Safety

A Neighborhood Safety Presentation provides residents with practical information on how to improve safety within their neighborhoods. Helena Police officers discuss topics such as recognizing and reporting suspicious activity, crime prevention strategies, home and property security, and how neighbors can work together to reduce crime. The goal is to increase awareness, strengthen community partnerships, and help residents play an active role in keeping their neighborhoods safe.

Coffee with a Cop is a community engagement program that brings police officers and local residents together in informal settings to foster dialogue, build trust, and strengthen community relationships. The program is designed to break down barriers between law enforcement and the communities they serve by providing a relaxing environment for conversation over coffee. The program allows residents to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss local issues directly with police officers without the formality of meeting or crisis situation. Events typically take place in neutral, accessible locations such as coffee shops, local markets, or community centers. 

If you are interested in hosting a Coffee with a Cop event at your business, please reach out to us at 406-447-8479.

Police Explorer's Academy

The Helena Police Department Explorers Academy is a program for high school aged students who are interested in being a Law Enforcement Officer. Explorers will learn some of the operations, procedures, and duties involved with being a Law Enforcement Officer.

Requirements:

• 14 - 19 years old and currently enrolled in school or home schooled.
• The Explorers Academy expects commitment from each student, so attendance is strongly encouraged.
• Have means of transportation to and from each training.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Have a GPA of at least 2.0.

Application:

Applications are available at your school counselors' office and can be turned into your school resource officer or school counselor. Applications can also be found here: HPD Explorers Academy Application(PDF, 110KB). Applications must be turned in by March 13th, 2026.

Schedule:

Explorers will meet each Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:00PM for 8 weeks and have a graduation ceremony on week 8. Most classes will be held at the Law and Justice Center (406 Fuller Ave). Some classes will have off-site training locations. Students are required to have a mode of transportation, including car-pooling to off-site training locations.

Junior Police Leadership Academy (JPLA)

The Junior Police Leadership Academy is a week-long camp for students entering grades 10 through 12 next school year (2025-2026). Throughout the week, instructors, who are peace officers throughout the state, instruct students on various law enforcement topics. They also teach team building and being a leader in your community.

This is open to students across the state. Some of the highlights of the week include driving at the driving track, rappelling and hiking, and much more.

If you are interested in law enforcement or being a leader within your community, please consider applying.

Please go to the Montana Association of Chief's of Police website for the JPLA Application. 

Patch Program

Thank you for your interest in our patch!

The Helena Police Department was founded in 1881. The birth of Helena as a community took place in 1864 when explorers discovered gold in Last Chance Gulch.  Starting out as a small mining town, Helena was first recognized as the capital of the Montana Territory in 1875 and in 1894. In 1889 Montana became a state and Helena was officially designated the capital city. The official symbol of Helena is a drawing of "The Guardian of the Gulch”.

The “Guardian” stands today on "Tower Hill" overlooking the historic downtown district. The image on our patch is a representation of the early fire tower built in 1886, which overlooks famous Last Chance Gulch and has been nicknamed the “Guardian of the Gulch”.  The “Guardian” is no longer in use but still stands today as a reminder of our past and is the official symbol for the City of Helena.

We do charge $5.00 per patch. If you would like to obtain a department patch, please send $5.00 and your request to:

Helena Police Department
Attn: Patch Request
406 Fuller Ave
Helena MT 59601

**In your request please be sure to include your name and address where you'd like the patch sent**

Police Volunteers

What is Volunteering with the Helena Police Department?

Volunteer programs with the Helena Police Department provide qualified civic-minded individuals with the opportunity to assist the HPD in carrying out its community responsibilities. Volunteer members of the HPD can make a public safety contribution to their community in many ways.

Why Volunteer?

• to make a difference in the community
• to gain valuable experience and build a resume
• to work alongside HPD officers, detectives, and staff
• to expand and improve job skills
• to explore potential career options

Eligibility Requirements:

Anyone wishing to volunteer, must meet the following requirements:

• be 18 years of age or older,
• have a high school diploma or the equivalent,
• live in the greater Helena area,
• meet the HPD qualifying standards for background suitability investigation,
• have the skills needed and identified by the HPD,
• have a good attitude and helping spirit, and
• make a commitment of at least six months.

Application: 

Anyone wishing to Volunteer must fill out an application and pass a criminal background check. Allow at least one week for the processing of applications. 

HPD-Volunteer-Application-2025.pdf

Montana Code Annotated:

Montana Code Annotated 
Title 7. Local Government
Chapter 32. Law Enforcement
Part 2. Reserve and Auxiliary Officers

§7-32-201. Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Auxiliary Officer" means an unsworn, part-time, volunteer member of a law enforcement agency who may perform, but is not limited to, the performance of such functions as civil defense, search and rescue, office duties, crowd and traffic control, and crime prevention activities.

Police Volunteers are restricted from the general law enforcement duties of a sworn law enforcement officer. 

For further information, visit www.leg.mt.gov/bills/mca.

**An 'auxiliary officer' is different from a 'reserve officer.' For clarification, please see MCA §7-32-211, and associated statutes. 

Interning with the Helena Police Department

Interning with the Helena Police Department provides an opportunity for placement in the field of Criminal Justice under department supervision. It allows the opportunity for hands-on learning and the opportunity to integrate theory and practice. Interns can expect to work with officers and detectives on active cases and daily duties within the department. Students from the Carroll College Anthrozoology Program can intern with HPD Animal Control Officers. 

Internships with the Helena Police Department are designed to be a learning experience and do not constitute paid employment. 

Intern Types:

The Helena Police Department recognizes three types of interns:

1) Full or part-time student at an accredited college or university working for college or university credit with hour requirements being established by the educational institution 

2) Full or part-time student at an accredited college or university not working for college or university credit with hour requirements established by the HPD

3) Non-student wishing to explore the career field of law enforcement with hour requirements established by the HPD

Intern Qualifications:

Regardless of the type of intern, the minimum qualifications are as follows:

• Be at least 18 years of age,
• Have an interest in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a similar field as a career,
• Possess the high ethical, moral, and professional standards set forth by the Helena Police Department,
• No conviction of a felony, any crime of a sexual nature or against children, any crime related to assault or violence, any crime related to dishonesty, or any crime related to impersonating a law enforcement officer,
• No conviction of a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor crime within the past four years excluding petty misdemeanor traffic offenses,
• No pending criminal cases,
• No mental illness or chemical dependency condition that may adversely affect the person’s ability to serve in the position,
• Ability to meet physical requirements reasonably appropriate to the assignment, and
• Pass a personal background history and character check suitable for a person representing the HPD, as validated by a background investigation.
• The Chief of Police may allow exceptions to these eligibility requirements based on organizational needs and the qualifications of the individual.

Hour Requirements:

For possible internships not through an educational institution, hour requirements are as follows:

• Minimum of 100 hours at a suggested pace of 10 hours a week for 10 weeks.
• If the applicant is looking to do more hours, this must be agreed upon with the Intern Supervisor.
• Interns interested in an extension of hours after meeting the minimum requirement will speak with the Intern Supervisor to request an extension of hours.
• Interns unable to meet the minimum hours for matters outside of their control will speak with the Intern Supervisor as soon as possible. 

Application Process:

Regardless of the type of intern, the application process is as follows:

1) The applicant will send a letter of interest to the HPD Intern Supervisor detailing why they wish to intern with the department. 

2) The Intern Supervisor will contact the applicant to fill out an Authorization to Release Information form. This grants the department permission to conduct a background check on the applicant.

3) Upon satisfactory completion of the applicant’s background, the Intern Supervisor will contact them to set a time and date for an interview with the Intern Supervisor and the Criminal Investigations Division Lieutenant.

4) If the Intern Supervisor and the Criminal Investigations Division Lieutenant agree to hire the applicant, the applicant will be required to sign the Volunteer Agreement, Notice of Confidentiality, HPD Internship Policy, and any other required agreements and/or liability waivers and to abide by said agreements. The applicant will also be required to have their fingerprints taken.

5) Within the first week of the internship, the intern will complete the Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) training, establish learning goals and a schedule with the Intern Supervisor, and participate in a department orientation detailing the general operation, function, and organization of the department and the criminal justice system. 

Contact:

Anyone interested in interning with the Helena Police Department should contact Intern Supervisor Erin Fitzpatrick at (406)457-8839 or by email at efitzpatrick@helenamt.gov. 

Ride Along Program

The purpose of the Helena Police Department’s Ride Along Program is to encourage community involvement in law enforcement, and to educate the public by opening lines of communication between the community and police. For potential recruits, the Ride Along Program promotes a better understanding of the challenges, risks, and rewards of the police officer's job.

ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS

The Helena Police Department encourages community involvement in the law enforcement process and allows interested citizens and students to ride as passenger observers with patrol officers.

All persons wishing to participate in the Ride Along Program must be at least 18 years of age (or 15 years of age with consent from a legal guardian), must not currently be under a driver license suspension or revocation from the Department of Motor Vehicles, and have no warrants outstanding for their arrest.

PROGRAM RULES AND GUIDELINES

1. Submitting a request does not guarantee ride along approval.
2. Persons who have never participated in the Ride Along Program shall be given preference over those who have.
3. Participants shall be limited to one ride along per year.
4. The date and shift requested by the applicant shall be accommodated, when possible, within preference guidelines.
5. Participants must have a valid photo ID or driver license with them when reporting for their scheduled ride along.
6. Wear neat, clean, appropriate clothing. Shorts, sweat suits or jogging suits, tank tops, halter tops, or clothing which is torn, soiled or displays offensive language or symbols shall not be allowed.
7. Participants shall be considered observers only and shall be under the direct supervision of the assigned officer during the ride along.
8. Participants shall conduct themselves in a civil and courteous manner at all times.
9. Participants must wear their seat belts at all times while in the patrol car.
10. Participants must remain in the patrol car unless instructed to leave by an officer.
11. In the case of a potentially dangerous or hazardous call, participants may be dropped off at a safe location. If this occurs, the officer will give the participant specific instructions and arrange for transportation from another officer. Please note that this is for the rider's safety.
12. Participants must not become involved in any incident the officer is handling. This includes discussions of an incident with victims, witnesses, or suspects.
13. No tape recordings, cameras, or similar devices are allowed without prior approval from the Chief of Police or his designee.
14. For security and safety reasons, participants are not allowed to handle or use any of the officer's equipment or the equipment in the patrol vehicle.
15. All participants in the Ride Along Program must read, agree, and abide by all rules and guidelines and complete the Ride Along Waiver prior to the ride along.
16. Failure to comply with any of the above listed rules and guidelines will result in the immediate termination of the ride-along.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To request a ride along with an officer, applicants must either mail or email the completed Ride Along Waiver(DOCX, 94KB). The completed waiver may be mailed to:

Helena Police Department
Attn: Ride Along Program
406 Fuller Ave
Helena, MT 59601

Applicants shall apply at least two weeks in advance of the ride along date so that record checks, and scheduling can be accommodated. We make every effort to process the applications in a timely manner. However, due to the large number of applicants, the ride along notification may be delayed. You will be contacted by a member of our staff once the application has been processed.