Opinion ID: 880451
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: proportionality of discipline

Text: We find no merit in this issue which would require a reversal of the District Court's review or of the findings and conclusions of the Helena Police Commission, as modified by the City Manager. The extent of the penalty to be levied against a police officer or officers for proven charges of misconduct, absent a constitutional violation, are generally matters for determination by the Police Commission and subject to the modification of the mayor or city manager. They are thus empowered by statute. If the city of Helena determines, as it did in this case, that officers who are dishonest under oath are not trustworthy enough to serve as police officers for the city of Helena, that kind of decision relating to the personnel of the city is beyond our reach and jurisdiction. City of Helena v. District Court, supra, 166 Mont. at 77. Section 7-32-4155, MCA, gives the Police Commission the power to decide all charges of misconduct brought against any police officer who has been guilty of misconduct in his office, or of conduct unbecoming a police officer, or whose conduct has been such as to bring reproach upon the police force. If the charges are proven, the Commission, and thereafter the mayor or city manager are empowered to discipline, suspend, remove or discharge any officer who has been found guilty of the charge filed against him. Section 7-32-4160, MCA. In this case, it appears that the Commission, and the City Manager, acted within the powers given to them by statute. We find no reversible error in their decisions. Affirmed. TURNAGE, C.J., and WEBER, GULBRANDSON, HUNT and McDONOUGH, JJ., concur.