Over a Dozen Montana Police Officers Caught Playing “Crime Bingo” on Duty

In what sounds like something out of a TV comedy, but definitely isn’t, 13 police officers in Montana have found themselves in hot water after participating in an on-duty game of “Crime Bingo.”

What Is “Crime Bingo”?

According to reports, the game involved officers checking off bingo-style squares during their shifts for specific actions, like making an arrest, searching a vehicle, or responding to certain types of calls. The game, played by some officers in Bozeman, ran for 12 days in January and involved two sergeants and 11 other officers.

No Cases Affected, But It’s Still Serious

Bozeman Police Chief Jim Veltkamp addressed the incident publicly, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. Both internal and external reviews were launched, covering all 24 cases that occurred during the “bingo” period.

The findings? None of the cases were improperly influenced or handled because of the game. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s being brushed aside.

Disciplinary Actions Have Been Taken

Discipline has been handed down, and those in leadership roles, the two sergeants, are facing more significant consequences than the officers they supervised. Specific details on the disciplinary measures weren’t disclosed, but Chief Veltkamp made it clear the department isn’t taking the matter lightly.

Accountability and Moving Forward

“This is not reflective of the values of our department,” said Chief Veltkamp. He added that steps are being taken to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again. While the review showed no misconduct in the actual handling of calls, the fact that officers were playing a game tied to real incidents on duty has led to some serious reflection within the department.

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A Reminder of the Importance of Public Trust

Even if no cases were mishandled, the perception created by playing “Crime Bingo” could sway public confidence. The Bozeman Police Department says it’s committed to earning and keeping that trust, and moving forward with stronger accountability.