Missoula Police respond to 57k incidents in 2025 as some crimes rise, others fall

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Missoula Police Department (MPD) responded to more incidents in 2025 than in 2024, with robbery, sexual intercourse without consent, theft and injury or fatal crashes down, according to the agency’s 2025 report.

However, other crimes including aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, misdemeanor assault and partner or family member assault increased while homicide stayed unchanged, MPD said.

Officers handled 57,039 incidents last year, but MPD noted they used force in less than one percent of all incidents and that every force incident had some form of video documentation.

The department said its drone program reached a record 171 missions in 2025. According to the report, drones were most often used during active pursuits, perimeter containment and search and rescue work.

The report also pointed to changes in drug seizures through the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force. Methamphetamine seizures rose 111% and cocaine seizures rose 112%, while fentanyl pill seizures dropped 85% and fentanyl powder increased 37%.

The department said a compensation package finalized by the city helped produce its strongest recruitment cycle in years. The report said eight vacant officer positions had been filled so far in 2026.

The report also said the department plans to introduce its 2026-2029 strategic plan. Chief Colyer said he expected that plan to focus on public safety, employee support and department efficiency.