A new partnership between the Montana State University and Bozeman police departments will form a joint Special Victims Unit that will allow detectives from both agencies to work together to investigate major crimes in the city and on campus, with an emphasis on investigating sex crimes.
 
According to MSU Police Chief Frank Parrish, detectives in the SVU are specially trained to handle the complex issues that arise when people become victims of violent crime. The team approach will help SVU investigators see patterns and trends, he said, while improving the thoroughness and consistency of investigations across jurisdictions.

“MSU is a safe campus and the development of the SVU will further enhance our ability to protect our students,” Parrish said. “As the largest university in Montana, we have the increasing responsibility and privilege to protect our community, not only today but also in the future. Our students deserve our best, especially when the worst happens.”

Bozeman Police Chief Steve Crawford said his department is excited to partner with MSU.

“This is all done with the intent to continue our victim-centered approach, strengthen our investigative capacities and adopt a best practice approach to conducting these types of investigations,” Crawford said.
 
Crawford added that the team will continue to work closely with community partners in the Gallatin County Sexual Assault Response Team, the Multi-Disciplinary Team and the Child Advocacy Center.
 
Working these cases as a team rather than as individual agencies will provide more consistent investigations and help victims recover, Parrish and Crawford said.