Montana Law Enforcement Academy Graduates Largest Class Ever

On April 18, 2025, seventy-five new officers who will serve in 40 agencies across the state graduated from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) within the Montana Department of Justice. MLEA provides basic and advanced training for state, county, city, and tribal law enforcement officers throughout the state.  

According to the Montana DOJ, this class is the largest to graduate in the history of MLEA. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen was in attendance to congratulate and address the graduates. 

“I’m confident Montana’s newest law enforcement officers will serve their communities with honor and put their training to good use as they work to keep us safe,” said Knudsen. “These officers are joining the ranks of some of the best and bravest law enforcement officers in the country. I have no doubt that their time at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy has prepared them for the challenges ahead.”

The Missoula Police Department welcomed new faces to their team and celebrated the achievements of those returning home from the academy. According to Police Public Information Officer Whitney Bennett, Chief Mike Colyer and Mayor Andrea Davis had the honor of officially swearing in the newest members of the department.

“These officers are now headed to the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena to begin their training journey," Bennett said. "We look forward to watching them grow and represent Missoula with pride. We also welcomed home two of our officers who graduated from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.” 

Bennett said they would return to Missoula and begin their advanced in-house academy before entering the Field Training Officer (FTO) program. 

“Please join us in congratulating these officers on these important milestones,” Bennett said. “Whether just beginning or freshly returning, each one of them is an essential part of the future of public safety in Missoula.” 

The full list of this session’s graduates is available here. A recorded broadcast of the ceremony is available here.