What do I do in case of an emergency?
Stay calm, and call 911. We have a state of the art emergency response system that is monitored twenty–four hours a day, seven days a week. All 911 calls are answered by a dispatcher here in West Yellowstone who has the ability to page for ambulance, fire, search and rescue, and police response.

What is the size of the West Yellowstone Police Department?
The Police Department is staffed by a Chief of Police, five (5) patrol officers, five (5) dispatchers and one (1) animal control/dispatcher. Officers and dispatchers work 12–hour shifts to provide twenty–four (24) hour law enforcement coverage.

How does tourism affect the Police Department?
The Police Department feels the greatest impact from tourism during the summer months. The year–round population of West Yellowstone is only 1100 people, but as many as 10,000 people pass through Town on any given day during the summer months. Activity slows down considerably during the shoulder season, but picks up again during the winter. In the winter, the department shifts its focus to snowmobile traffic enforcement and even patrols on snowmobile.

Can snowmobiles travel on the streets of West Yellowstone?
West Yellowstone is one of the few municipalities in the country that allows snowmobiles to travel on the streets of the Town. However, snowmobiles cannot travel on the two major highways that intersect in West Yellowstone, US Highway 20 and US Highway 191. Snowmobiles are subject to the same traffic laws as other vehicles. Altered (piped) snowmobiles are not allowed on streets in Town, or on adjacent national park or national forest lands. While visitors and residents alike use snowmobiles as a primary mode of transportation, use after 10:00 p.m. should respect those who are sleeping. Failure to do so may result in a citation.

Does the Police Department specialize in any particular areas?
Of the five patrol officers employed by the Town of West Yellowstone, there is one sergeant, a drug enforcement officer, range master, and a school resource officer. Each of these officers has specific duties associated with their specialization.

What other law enforcement agencies does the West Yellowstone Police Department work with?
The West Yellowstone Police Department works daily with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Yellowstone National Park Service Rangers, Montana Highway Patrol, US Forest Service Law Enforcement, Montana Fish and Game, and the Montana Department of Livestock.

How many “Calls for Service” does the Police Department respond to in a year?
In 2002, the Police Department received 3,882 “Calls for Service.” This number includes all crimes and anything that requires response by an officer.

How do I pay my traffic ticket or fine?
Traffic tickets and all other fines issued in West Yellowstone must be paid to the Court Clerk. The Town accepts cash, checks, or credit cards. The Court Clerk’s office is open during regular business hours adjacent to the courtroom at 200 Yellowstone Avenue. Tickets and fines can also be paid by mail, see contact information below.

When is court held?
Court is held daily at 9:00 AM, if necessary, in the courtroom at 200 Yellowstone Avenue.

How do I get a marriage license?
Marriage licenses are issued through Gallatin County by the Clerk of District Court. Call (406) 582–2165 for more information. For information about getting married in West Yellowstone, contact the Court Clerk at (406) 646–7845 or the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce at (406) 646–7701.

How do I register my car?
All vehicle registrations are handled by the Gallatin County Motor Vehicle department. Call (406) 582–3080 for more information. Montana renewals can be handled through the mail, but the initial registration usually requires a trip to Bozeman.