Governor Gianforte Meets with Law Enforcement in Havre

HAVRE, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte last week continued his 56 County Tour along the Hi-Line, meeting with law enforcement officers in Hill County.

“I am here today to just say thank you on behalf of the people of Montana, for your dedication, long hours, and sacrifices you and your families make to keep the Hi-Line safe,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As governor, I’m proud to stand with Montana law enforcement and continue our investments to support our officers, their families, and our communities.”

Holding a roundtable discussion in Havre, the governor heard directly from officers representing multiple law enforcement agencies including the Montana Highway Patrol, the Hill County Sheriff’s office, the Havre Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, and BNSF Railway.

Hearing directly from law enforcement officers, the governor heard about the continued rise of drug-related crime in the region. The group noted how addiction to drugs and alcohol fuels many of the incidents of theft and robbery. In addition, officers also discussed the need for mental health supports for struggling community members. Noting how a jail cell is often not the best place for someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Talking with border patrol agents represented at the roundtable, Gov. Gianforte heard about the continued presence of fentanyl pills in the region and the local coordination with federal agents to crack down on crime and drugs. Several agents at the roundtable noted the historic low border crossings at the southern border with the new immigration standards enforced by the Trump administration.

During the meeting, the governor asked about the success of drug treatment courts that help non-violent offenders get support through treatment, recovery, counseling, education, and job placement services. In 2023, the governor announced permanent funding for eight treatment courts across Montana, including the 12th Judicial District Drug Court in Hill County.

As the governor proposed in his budget and recently signed into law, additional investments were made this legislative session to support law enforcement officers, improve public safety, and expand capacity at the state prison. Working with legislators, the governor secured $5.3 million to increase pay for corrections officers and improve training and resources, $150 million in one-time-only funding to expand capacity at the Montana State Prison, and $250 million to establish a long-term public safety plan.

In April, Gov. Gianforte helped break ground on a new expansion at the Montana State Prison that will allow for 117 more beds at the facility. The project represents a previous, $156 million investment secured by the governor to increase bed capacity to relieve overcrowding in county jails and keep criminals off the street.