Independent institutions that check this jurisdiction's own power — audit, ombudsman, inspector general, civilian review, ethics, and grand-jury bodies established by statute.
The Montana Legislative Auditor is appointed by and reports to the Legislative Audit Committee. The Legislative Audit Division performs financial, performance, and information systems audits of...
Read scorecard → 02 AuditThe Montana Criminal Justice Oversight Council (MCA §5-5-235, formerly §53-1-216, redesignated by Ch. 173, L. 2025) is an 18-member interbranch advisory body that studies and recommends...
Read scorecard → 03 Civilian ReviewThe Montana POST Council (MCA §44-4-403) establishes certification and training standards for all peace officers and holds binding authority to suspend or revoke officer certification. The...
Read scorecard →Montana law-enforcement oversight is anchored by two statewide bodies. The Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council (MCA §44-4-403) is a governor-appointed 13-member panel (11 law-enforcement professionals + 2 citizen members) that certifies and decertifies peace officers; discipline is binding at the certification level but employment termination remains with the appointing agency (MCA §44-4-404). The Criminal Justice Oversight Council (MCA §5-5-235, formerly §53-1-216) is an 18-member interbranch advisory body that studies and recommends improvements to the criminal justice system, including corrections, but holds no disciplinary or investigative authority. Montana has no statewide civilian review board, no corrections ombudsman, and no independent LE inspector general.