Montana’s Statewide Strategic Plan
Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
2013 – 2015
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Montana’s Statewide Strategic Plan
Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
2013 – 2015
Table of Contents
Page
Executive Summary............................................................................................................. 4
Montana’s Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program ........................................................... 5
Program Priorities ............................................................................................................... 9
Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces (MJDTF) Overview ................................................ 12
MJDTF Map ..................................................................................................... 12
Northwest Drug Task Force ............................................................................ 13
West Central Montana Drug Task Force ......................................................... 13
Southwest Montana Drug Task Force............................................................. 14
Missouri River Drug Task Force ...................................................................... 14
Tri-Agency Drug Task Force ............................................................................ 14
Eastern Montana Drug Task Force.................................................................. 14
Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Narcotics Bureau ...................... 15
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program ................................................ 15
MJDTF Yearly Arrest Summaries ....................................................................................... 16
MJDTF Crime Reporting Guidelines .................................................................................. 20
Coordination of Efforts ..................................................................................................... 21
Strategic Planning Stakeholders ....................................................................................... 23
MBCC Contact Information ............................................................................................... 24
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Executive Summary
The Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) is the single state planning agency designated by
the Governor that helps identify needs, facilitates programs and administers millions of grant
dollars dedicated to public safety, crime prevention, and victim assistance statewide. MBCC is
headed by an eighteen member board appointed by the Governor. Board members represent
law enforcement, criminal justice system stakeholders, and citizens, including our state's Native
Americans. Board members provide critical citizen leadership, oversight and accountability of
systems charged with promoting justice and public safety.
Montana Board of Crime Control
Mission Statement
The mission of the Board of Crime Control is
to proactively contribute to public safety, crime prevention and victim assistance
through planning, policy development, and coordination of the justice system
in partnership with citizens, government, and communities.
Montana is the fourth largest state geographically with a total area of approximately 147,046
square miles and is approximately 559 miles from east to west and 321 miles from north to
south (Netstate.com). Montana has a population of approximately 1,005,141 people with an
average of 6.8 persons per square mile (U.S. Census Bureau; 2012). Montana is divided into 56
counties and shares a 545-mile border with Canada; with 15 official ports of entry. There are six
population centers, the largest (Yellowstone County) with a population of approximately
151,882 people (U.S. Census Bureau; 2012). Three fourths of the state has towns with fewer
than 1,000 people. Law enforcement manpower (police and sheriff) averages approximately
1.5 full-time sworn officers per 1,000 people in population (MBCC; 2012); many jurisdictions
cover several thousand square miles.
Montana has maintained a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) designation since 2001
and is a member of the Rocky Mountain HIDTA. Montana has four (4) major drug trafficking
corridors: I-15 that runs north to the Canadian border and south to Idaho; I-90 that runs west to
Idaho and east to Hardin, then south to Wyoming; I-94 that runs west to I-90 at Billings and east
to North Dakota; and Highway 2 which runs west to Idaho and east to North Dakota along the
northern tier of the state. There have been a number of major Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task
Forces (MJDTF) drug arrests on these corridors that have yielded large amounts of drugs, cash
and weapons.
Montana’s 545 miles of border with Canada is extremely porous. There is speculation that, as
the more populous border states with greater resources strengthen their focus on terrorism,
human trafficking and drug trafficking along their borders, the more pressure will be placed on
Montana’s porous border.
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Montana’s MJDTFs play a critical prevention role with many mutually engaged agencies to
maintain a drug interdiction presence along the northern border, which intersects with
homeland security protection. MJDTF efforts of intelligence sharing, prevention, deterrence,
public safety and cases resulting in arrests are also important as they intersect with Homeland
Security initiatives.
The MBCC continues to play a pivotal planning, coordinating and implementation role in
addressing the impact of the illegal use of prescription drugs, as well as the manufacturing and
trafficking of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs. The MBCC also continues to play a
major role in the enforcement, education, and prevention of illegal drugs and treatment of
illegal drug offenders in Montana communities. In addition, MBCC has participated in the
development and implementation of the Montana’s Alliance for Drug Endangered Children
(DEC) State Board and the development of standard protocols for law enforcement, child
protection teams and the medical community. The Montana Department of Justice also hired a
statewide coordinator to assist communities with developing local DEC chapters and providing
training.
Montana’s Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program
The Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program is designed to support all components of the
criminal justice system, from multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces to crime prevention
and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information
sharing initiatives. JAG-funded projects may address crime through the provision of services
directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of
criminal justice systems, processes and procedures.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG) Program is the cornerstone
federal justice assistance program. The program supports the federal government’s crucial role
in spurring innovation, as well as testing and replicating evidence-based practices nationwide.
The original Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Program
(Byrne Formula) grew out of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to assist
state and local governments in strengthening and improving the operation of law enforcement
functions in the states. The program later evolved into the Byrne/JAG or JAG program.
The JAG Program provides states and units of local governments with critical funding necessary
to support a broad range of initiatives utilizing seven general program areas:
1) Law enforcement;
2) Prosecution and courts;
3) Prevention and education;
4) Corrections and community corrections;
5) Drug treatment and enforcement;
6) Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement; and,
7) Crime victim and witness (other than compensation).
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The breadth and flexibility of JAG means that states and local communities are able to use JAG
funds to balance resources and address problems across the criminal justice system.
As Montana’s State Administering Agency (SAA), the Montana Board of Crime Control has been
designated to receive JAG block grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of
Justice Assistance for more than 20 years. The majority of these JAG funds have funded local
MJDTFs statewide, within the “law enforcement” program area. However, there have been
other program focus areas that MBCC has allocated JAG funds.
Examples of MBCC statewide sub granted programs (other than MJDTF) supported by JAG
funds are:
Purpose Area Projects
Livingston PD
Taser Training/Equipment
$13,206
Ravalli SO
Taser Acquisition/Training
$14,207
Total $200,458
Troy PD
$1,800
SRO Assistance
MT Public Defender
Records Management
Sweet Grass SO
Patrol Vehicle
MT Supreme Court, 9th Judicial District
Chemical Dependency Treatment Court
Roosevelt SO
Youth Sports Activity Program
$62,360
$7,900
$14,525
$8,460
Billings City
Adult Misdemeanor Drug Court
White Sulphur Springs City
Community Services for Youth
Whitefish PD
Officer Retention & Protection
$37,500
$18,000
$22,500
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Smaller Jurisdiction Equipment Projects
Valley SO
Total $184,459.28
$11,000
Daniels SO
$8,700
McCone SO
$17,088
Poplar PD
$10,161
Wolf Point PD
$7,331
Sweet Grass SO
$10,670
Roosevelt SO
$17,713
Stillwater SO
Troy PD
$8,067
$2,110
E. Helena PD
$8,565
$15,065
Plains PD
Glendive PD
Phillips SO
Miles City PD
$6,800
$5,967
$7,645
$15,310
Glasgow PD
Beaverhead SO
Garfield SO
Columbus PD
$8,344
$12,335
$11,588
Direct Award Projects
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In addition to the federal JAG allocation to Montana, the Montana legislature appropriates
general fund dollars to the state-level Narcotics Bureau administered by the Montana
Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
JAG grant funds awarded to the MBCC fluctuated from 2005 through 2013, with a low of
$336,694 in 2008 to a high of $1,563,677 in 2010. In 2009, JAG funding was increased with a
one-time funding allocation through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
which provided an additional $3,165,819 of JAG funds for public safety efforts throughout
Montana. Below is a chart depicting federal JAG funds awarded to MBCC from 2005 through
2013:
Federal JAG Funds Awarded to MBCC (2005-2013)
Year
2005
Federal Allocation
1,623,781
2006
1,076,424
2007
1,523,321
2008
336,694
2009
922,000
2009 ARRA
3,165,819
2010
1,563,677
2011
1,249,291
2012
985,310
2013
956,632
Total 2005 - 2013
$13,402,949
MBCC normally awards JAG funds to subgrantees through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process
on an annual basis. Upon receipt of proposals, MBCC staff conducts an initial screening of each
proposal to check for completeness of the application. The fiscal staff and program manager
review the applications and summarize their findings to the Anti-Drug Committee,
subcommittee of the Board, for their recommendations. Immediately following review of the
applications, a notice is sent to the applicant agencies with a recommendation that is presented
to the full MBCC Board. The Board reviews all of the committee’s recommendations during
their next scheduled meeting and makes final award decisions. Each applicant receives either
an award notice and package or a denial letter. All subgrant programs are closely monitored
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by a MBCC program manager and fiscal staff through periodic phone calls, emails and other
correspondence, quarterly reporting, desk audits and site monitoring visits.
Program Priorities
Priority continuation JAG funding has been given by MBCC to the six current multi-jurisdictional
drug task forces (MJDTFs) throughout the state in support of their tireless efforts to detect and
apprehend drug traffickers and illegal drug offenders. It has been determined by collaboration
between the MBCC Anti-Drug Committee and the MJDTFs, that the yearly JAG funding level
necessary to adequately fund the MJDTFs and keep them “whole” is approximately $1,500,000.
MBCC desires to fund additional programs allowable under the seven program areas of JAG,
however, unless the future amount of annual JAG funds available from MBCC increases, it is
anticipated that very few additional programs, if any, will be funded within the next several
years.
Another priority includes MBCC playing a pivotal role in diversifying the requirements of MJDTF
duties in the detecting, apprehending, enforcing, and data tracking and reporting of drug
endangered children (DEC) and gang offenders.
DRUG ENDANGERED CHILDREN OFFENSES
# of Endangered Children Offenses
The graph below shows the number of drug endangered children cases pursued by JAG-funded
multi-jurisdictional drug task forces (MJDTFs) within Montana compared to the number of drug
and non-drug endangered children cases pursued by other law enforcement agencies within
Montana, from 2006 through 2012. (MBCC SAC; 2012).
Drug Task Force Data Compared to Statewide
2006-2012
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
MTIBRS Statewide Data
38
58
63
42
48
57
53
Drug Task Force
84
60
62
42
42
41
63
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GANG-RELATED OFFENSES STATEWIDE
The graph below shows the number of juvenile and other gang-related offenses detected and
reported statewide by all Montana law enforcement agencies from 2006 through 2012. The
offenses range in severity from homicide/murder to simple assault. (MBCC SAC; 2012).
Gang Related Offenses 2006-2012
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# of Gang Related Offenses
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Gang Related Offenses
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
54
42
63
68
63
42
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THE WILLISTON BASIN AND BAKKEN OILFIELD
MBCC recognizes the importance of coordinating with stakeholders and supporting eastern
Montana’s law enforcement agencies and public safety services to address the impact of the
Williston Basin region and the Bakken oilfield in Montana.
Based upon historical information and projected growth estimates, the Montana All-Threat
Intelligence Center (MATIC) and the North Dakota State and Local Intelligence Center (NDSLIC)
fusion centers predict that expansion of the oil industry in the Williston Basin of North Dakota
will increase steadily westward into eastern Montana, continuing into Richland County and
expanding into Roosevelt and Sheridan Counties, with Sidney emerging as a secondary
population hub with growth similar in proportion to Williston, North Dakota.
Population is on the rise in the Williston Basin region and census data and trends suggest that
the population will continue to rise in the region as long as oil exploration and production
continues. Job availability data, as well as federal and state population estimates, reflect that
the population in the Williston Basin region of western North Dakota and eastern Montana has
experienced a significant population increase from 252,264 in 2005 to 272,053 in 2011; an
increase of 7.8%. Recent studies have demonstrated a correlation between population growth
and crime rates and demand for law enforcement services. Calls for law enforcement services
in the Williston Basin region of North Dakota increased from 86,569 in 2005 to 203,858 in 2011;
a total increase of 117,209 calls or 135%. (Impact of Population Growth on Law Enforcement in
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the Williston Basin Region; MATIC; August 17, 2012). It is predicted that Sidney, Montana and
the surrounding eastern Montana region will experience population growth and increased
crime rates proportionate to that of Williston, North Dakota and the Williston Basin.
With the increase in population, there has been an increase in criminal activity, arrests and
vehicle crashes. The fusion centers predict that these increases will likely require additional law
enforcement resources. Law enforcement organizations within the Williston Basin region,
including some eastern Montana counties, have seen a large increase in calls for service per
sworn officer. Increased calls for service combined with significant personnel turnover and
recruitment issues will continue to contribute to staffing challenges. The majority of law
enforcement agencies reported a need for additional sworn and non-sworn positions within the
next year and indicated a need for additional protective equipment and training.
Based on data gathered, the fusion centers judge that oilfield exploration and production in the
Williston Basin region will continue to develop with a corresponding growth in the communities
of the Williston Basin region until the year 2020.
Below is a map that depicts the Montana counties that already are, or are predicted to be,
influenced by the Williston Basin Bakken Oil Boom. The four counties in yellow, the “Primary
Williston Basin”, had active Bakken drilling rigs in operation in December 2012 and are the
closest in proximity to the current epicenter of activity in Williams County, North Dakota. The
eight counties in orange, the “Secondary Williston Basin”, comprise the rest of the Montana
portion of the Williston Basin. One of these, Fallon County, has a relatively mature oil and gas
industry, although it is not part of the Bakken field. The seven counties in green, “Nearby
Counties”, are the closest areas to the Montana Williston Basin area counties. Some of these
counties have active coal mining operations. There may be some oil and gas activity, but none
was reported by the researcher. (BBC Research and Consulting; February 2013).
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OTHER PRIORITIES
Due to the impending Bakken influence in eastern Montana, a priority program currently being
funded under the prosecution and courts purpose area of JAG is a specialized Eastern Montana
Drug Prosecution Coordinator (DPC). This DPC provides resources, technical assistance and a
repository database for prosecutors, law enforcement and judges throughout eastern Montana
to promote consistency in the enforcement, prosecution and conviction of drug offenders.
Other priorities that MBCC identified as important are alternatives to detention programs,
aftercare, drug courts and prevention programs. The MBCC Board believes that these programs
could be developed provided that future JAG funds increase to a level where other programs
could be funded along with the MJDTFs.
Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces (MJDTF) Overview
The map below shows the areas of Montana in which each MJDTF operates. Each task force is
funded by Byrne/JAG monies.
The areas in white above do not have JAG-funded MJDTFs, but assistance is provided as needed
by the State Narcotics Bureau, which operates within the Montana Department of Justice,
Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Member agencies of the West Central and Tri-Agency
Drug Task Forces also include a total of three Montana Indian reservations. Additionally, a
number of the counties have their own internally funded drug enforcement agencies that
coordinate efforts with the JAG-funded MJDTFs and the State Narcotics Bureau.
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The mission of the six Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Forces is to “provide a collaborative
federal, state and local law enforcement effort to identify, target and address those involved
in drug trafficking, manufacturing and/or violence. The task forces will utilize sophisticated
long-term investigative approaches, including undercover surveillance to disrupt and
dismantle targeted drug organizations.”
As a condition of receiving JAG funds from the MBCC, each MJDTF must:

Be comprised of law enforcement representatives from five counties or more. An Indian
reservation counts as a county. A county or reservation may belong to more than one
task force jurisdiction.

Enter into an annual, written inter-local agreement with all participating agencies. Law
enforcement from incorporated cities within the regional boundaries must document
their knowledge of the task force if they are not active participants.

Provide letters of support with original signatures from local officials (ex: schools, city,
county, etc.) in the area where the task force operates. The letters should address the
impact and outcomes of the task force in the effected community or county.
Northwest Drug Task Force
The Northwest Drug Task Force (NWDTF) is comprised of Flathead, Lincoln, Sanders, Lake and
Mineral counties and is located in the northwest corner of the state. Member agencies also
include the cities of Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls. The NWDTF jurisdictional area
encompasses 14,171 square miles, supporting a total population of approximately 155,685
people, with an average of 11.0 people per square mile. The average income per capita within
the task force area is $20,754, and an average of 20.1% of the population is living below the
federal poverty level. (U.S. Census Bureau; 2012). The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is the
applicant agency/grantee for receiving JAG funds from MBCC.
West Central Montana Drug Task Force
The West Central Montana Drug Task Force (WCMDTF) is comprised of Missoula, Ravalli,
Mineral and Lake counties as well as the Flathead Agency Tribal Police and is located on the
west-central edge of the state. Member agencies also include the Missoula Police Department
and Missoula County Attorney’s Office. The WCMDTF jurisdictional area encompasses 7,693
square miles, supporting a total population of approximately 184,747 people, with an average
of 24.0 people per square mile. The average income per capita within the task force area is
$21,868, and an average of 18.8% of the population is living below the federal poverty level.
(U.S. Census Bureau; 2012). The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office is the applicant
agency/grantee for receiving JAG funds from MBCC.
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Southwest Montana Drug Task Force
The Southwest Montana Drug Task Force (SWMDTF) is comprised of Silver Bow, Beaverhead,
Deer Lodge, Granite, Jefferson, Madison, and Powell counties and is located in the southwest
corner of the state. Member agencies also include the City of Dillon and the Montana
Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation. The SWMDTF jurisdictional area
encompasses 16,293 square miles, supporting a total population of approximately 82,315
people, with an average of 5.1 people per square mile. The average income per capita within
the task force area is $24,829, and an average of 14.5% of the population is living below the
federal poverty level. (U.S. Census Bureau; 2012). The Montana Department of Justice – Law
Enforcement Services is the applicant agency/grantee for receiving JAG funds from MBCC.
Missouri River Drug Task Force
The Missouri River Drug Task Force (MRDTF) is comprised of Lewis and Clark, Gallatin, Park,
Broadwater, Madison and Meagher counties and is located within the western and southern
areas of the state. Member agencies also include the cities of Bozeman, Helena, Belgrade,
Livingston and West Yellowstone. The MRDTF jurisdictional area encompasses 16,037 square
miles, supporting approximately 188,470 people, with an average of 11.8 people per square
mile. The average income per capita within the task force area is $26,082, and an average of
11.4% of the population is living below the federal poverty level. (U.S. Census Bureau; 2012).
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is the applicant agency/grantee for receiving JAG funds from
MBCC.
Tri-Agency Safe Trails Task Force
The Tri-Agency Safe Trails Task Force (TASTTF) is comprised of Hill, Blaine, Phillips and Liberty,
counties and is located in the north-central area of the state. Member agencies also include
the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservations and the City of Havre. The TASTTF
jurisdictional area encompasses 13,697 square miles, supporting approximately 29,569 people,
with an average of 2.2 people per square mile. The average income per capita within the task
force area is $20,452, and an average of 20.5% of the population is living below the federal
poverty level. (U.S. Census Bureau; 2012). The Havre City Police Department is the applicant
agency/grantee for receiving JAG funds from MBCC.
Eastern Montana Drug Task Force
The Eastern Montana Drug Task Force (EMDTF) is comprised of Garfield, Rosebud, Treasure,
McCone, Dawson, Wibaux, Prairie, Custer, Powder River, Fallon and Carter counties and is
located in the eastern and southeast part of the state. Member agencies also include the Baker
Police Department and the City of Baker, the Broadus Police Department and the City of
Broadus, the Glendive Police Department and the City of Glendive, Miles City Police
Department and the City of Miles City, and the Montana Department of Justice – Division of
Criminal Investigation. The EMDTF jurisdictional area encompasses 30,345 square miles,
supporting approximately 42,409 people, with an average of 1.4 people per square mile. The
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average income per capita within the task force area is $24,284, and an average of 13.3% of the
population is living below the federal poverty level. (U.S. Census Bureau; 2012). The Montana
Department of Justice – Law Enforcement Services is the applicant agency/grantee for receiving
JAG funds from MBCC.
Note: The average income per capita for Montana is $25,002, and an average of 14.8% of
Montana’s population is living below the federal poverty level. In comparison, the average
income per capita for the United States (U.S.) is $28,051, and an average of 14.9% of the U.S.
population is living below the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level is $23,050,
based upon a family of four. (U.S. Census Bureau; 2012).
Matching funds for the JAG grant for all of the MJDTFs comes from local jurisdictions. A local
board comprised of the member agencies provides oversight for each of the task forces. This
arrangement is successfully being used in the Montana Department of Justice - Southwestern
and Eastern Montana Drug Task Forces as well.
The MJDTFs collaborate with local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies
throughout Montana and in other states. These partnerships have proven to be the most
effective means to increase drug arrests and seizures. While the MJDTFs have made huge
strides in disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) in Montana and
around the country, DTOs continue to thrive.
Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Narcotics Bureau
The State of Montana, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Narcotics Bureau initiates and
conducts all types of dangerous-drug investigations throughout the state. The Narcotics Bureau
also provides investigative assistance at the request of city, county, state and federal law
enforcement agencies within Montana and neighboring states. In addition, Narcotics Bureau
agents investigate organized criminal activity and assist other DCI bureaus in their
investigations. Narcotics Bureau agents routinely coordinate their efforts with local drug teams
and the MJDTFs.
The DCI Narcotics Bureau serves as a central command and provides a resident agent to
command the Eastern and Southwestern Montana Drug Task Forces. They also provide
administrative support and manage the accounting and reporting for these task forces. The DCI
Narcotics Bureau as well as the state forensic science laboratory are hard-funded with general
funds through the Montana Legislature. This hard funding demonstrates Montana’s
commitment to drug enforcement and helps to secure at the very least, a barebones
enforcement effort within the state.
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program
Five Montana counties participate in the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
JAG-funded MJDTF personnel also coordinate and intersect their enforcement efforts and
training with HIDTA. The five participating HIDTA counties are:
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




Flathead County;
Missoula County;
Lewis and Clark County;
Cascade County; and
Yellowstone County.
MJDTF Yearly Arrest Summaries
The following four charts show the combined MJDTF yearly arrest summaries from FY2006
through FY2012:
Chart 1 below is a measure of drug task force activity across Montana for offenses and
incidents. It shows that MJDTF activity increased through FY2010, slightly decreased in FY2011
and slightly increased again in 2012.
Chart 1: DTF Offenses and Incidents
FY 2006-2012
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Offenses
Incidents
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
1011
993
2168
2307
2287
2030
2241
1431
1410
1611
1592
1846
1678
1737
16
Chart 2 below shows the number of persons arrested by MJDTFs increased significantly from
approximately 800 in FY2006 to slightly less than 1,200 in FY2008 and has since decreased to
about 1,000 in FY2011 and FY2012.
# of Arrests
Chart 2: DTF Arrests
FY 2006-2012
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Arrests
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
804
746
1170
1180
1143
1017
1033
Chart 3 below shows how the arrests are distributed by arrest type. Possession arrests
accounted for about half of all arrests in FY2006 and FY2007. However, starting in FY2008,
possession arrests now account for over 60% of all arrests. Distribution/sales of dangerous
drugs accounts for about 20% of all arrests.
Chart 3: DTF Arrests by Arrest Type
FY 2006-2012
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Other
178
167
72
64
133
108
66
Manufacture
40
10
28
38
45
33
52
Distribution
185
211
290
240
226
216
174
Possession Arrests
402
358
780
843
739
660
741
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Chart 4 below shows the number of arrests by the top 5 drug types. Marijuana-related arrests
accounted for about 54% of all DTF arrests. Methamphetamine-related arrests account for
about 18% of all arrests over the six year period, but only about 8% in FY2011.
Prescription/narcotic-related arrests increased about 161% from FY2006 to FY2011. In fact, the
number of prescription/narcotic-related arrests increased from 7 in 2002 to 69 in FY2005. The
number of cocaine-related arrests has remained relatively consistent over the six year period.
Chart 4: DTF Arrests by Drug Type
FY 2006-2012
700
600
# of Arrests
500
400
300
200
100
0
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Marijuana/Hasish
316
334
645
642
597
594
624
Meth
226
166
178
113
137
119
118
Rx/Narcotics
60
56
148
142
200
157
155
Other
203
190
199
288
209
147
136
Organized drug trafficking has replaced manufacturing and remains one of Montana’s most
serious public safety and public health issues driving the majority of crime, arrests and
incarceration. An emerging issue for Montana is the growth in prescription drug abuse. Each
year, prescription drug abuse contributes to the deaths of more than 300 Montanans — making
prescription drug abuse 15 times more deadly than meth, heroin, and cocaine combined.
(Montana Department of Justice – Attorney General’s Office; 2009).
Montana’s youth report the third-highest rate of prescription drug abuse in the country and
more than half of them say prescription drugs are easier to get than street drugs. The Montana
Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation reports that almost half — 42 percent
— of the drug cases agents handled in 2009 dealt with prescription drug abuse. Montana’s
Attorney General in partnership with the Montana Board of Crime Control and the Montana
Board of Pharmacy, introduced legislation in 2011 to create a prescription drug registry in
Montana. A registry is a tool for doctors and pharmacists that allow them to identify drug
seekers and provide better care for their patients. The Montana Board of Crime Control and
Montana recognizes that a prescription drug registry is invaluable in curbing prescription drug
diversion and in helping doctors distinguish between patients who are in legitimate need from
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those who are abusing their medication. The Prescription Drug Registry bill was passed into law
by the 2011 Legislature.
Montana’s seven (7) Native American Reservations have been devastated by trafficking and the
use of methamphetamine and illegal prescription drugs, resulting in a significant overrepresentation of Native Americans in Montana’s correctional system.
Montana’s MJDTFs have played a major role with identifying and dismantling clandestine
methamphetamine labs, illegal prescription drug enforcement, and other illegal drug arrests
and drug removal in Montana communities.
The MJDTF methamphetamine lab reduction efforts in Montana have been coupled with
community based awareness programs, community mobilization (Montana Meth Watch),
merchant education and reduced access to precursor chemicals needed to manufacture the
drug. These efforts have been coupled with a privately funded media campaign, “The Montana
Meth Project,” targeting first time users.
It is imperative that Montana’s MJDTF efforts, coupled with community mobilization, remain
vigilant to maintain the downward trend in manufacturing with a goal to eliminate this activity
in our communities.
As shown in the chart below and as a result of MJDTF efforts and community-based awareness
and mobilization programs, Montana has seen a decrease in the number of methamphetamine
labs: from 103 labs in 2001 to seven (7) labs in FY2007, FY2008 and FY2011. There was an
increase in the number of labs in 2002 to 124 and in FY2009 to 13. (MBCC SAC; 2012).
Meth Labs 2001-2012
140
124
120
103
100
84
80
64
Meth Labs
60
40
40
20
9
7
7
2006
2007
2008
13
9
7
9
2010
2011
2012
0
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2009
The focus on supply and demand reduction continues to be Montana’s primary strategy.
However, to meet the demand with the reduction in labs, there has been an increase in the
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amount of trafficking of methamphetamine and less costly and more potent drugs from other
states, as well as a significant increase of prescription drug abuse. Certainly, education,
prevention and treatment are cornerstones of the strategy of demand reduction.
Below is a chart showing the rise in MJDTF arrests of prescription drug offenders: from seven
(7) arrests in FY 2002 to 157 arrests in FY2011, with a high of 200 arrests in FY2010. (MBCC SAC;
2012).
Rx/Narcotics Arrests 2002-2012
250
200
200
148
150
157
142
155
Rx/Narcotics Arrests
100
69
60
56
50
7
14
5
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
There is no doubt that prescription drug abuse in Montana is on the rise and is quickly
becoming a problem of epidemic proportions.
MJDTF Crime Reporting Guidelines
Purpose:
It is the policy of MBCC to ensure all incidents referred to and investigated by MJDTFs are
reported in the Montana Incident-Based Reporting System (MTIBRS) according to the MTIBRS
standards published by MBCC. The current standards can be found at the following link:
http://mbcc.mt.gov/Data/CrimeDataSubmissions/Final2011RevisedMTIBRStandards.pdf
Overview:
MBCC’s MTIBRS is the state repository for crime offenses known to law enforcement. The
MTIBRS is 100% certified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting
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Program. As the central repository for crime data, the MBCC must ensure that the data
reported to the MTIBRS, and subsequently the National Incident-Based Reporting System
(NIBRS), is as complete and accurate as possible. Furthermore, one factor that determines the
level of JAG funding that comes into the state are the number of violent index crimes reported
in the NIBRS program.
About 100 local law enforcement agencies (sheriffs and police departments) currently report
crime data to the MTIBRS. However, it is unclear how consistent and complete drug related
incidents are reported in the MTIBRS, especially when the incidents are turned over to MJDTFs
for further investigation.
MJDTF Incident and Arrest Reporting Procedure:
As a part of the reporting requirements of the JAG, the MJDTFs will ensure all incidents are
entered into an affiliated records management system (RMS) in the most local jurisdiction
where the incident(s) took place, wherever possible. Subsequently, the incident will be
included in the local agencies’ monthly MTIBRS submission.
MTIBRS jurisdictional guidelines provide for “most local” reporting whenever possible, from the
law enforcement agency of the geographical area in which the crime occurred. (UCR Handbook,
NIBRS Edition, pg. 9). In order to meet this requirement, each MJDTF is required to have
agreements in place with each affiliated law enforcement agency in their coverage area that:
1) Specifies who the lead MTIBRS reporting agency for each jurisdiction is;
2) States a procedure that ensures incident reports are as complete, accurate, and timely
as possible when entered into the local agencies’ RMS; and
3) Clearly indicates whether or not the incident involved the MJDTF.
Coordination of Efforts
Coordination with Local, State and Federal Initiatives
 Annual JAG collaboration/planning meetings are held between the MBCC Anti-Drug
Committee and staff, the six MJDTFs, and other interested parties to assist the Board
and staff in planning programs and funding strategies.
 MBCC maintains a good working relationship with the Rocky Mountain HIDTA. The
Executive Director of the HIDTA has been interested in working together with the Board
and staff of MBCC.
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 MBCC JAG Program Director participates on an annual basis at the Montana Narcotics
Officers Association business meeting, facilitated by the Executive Director of the Rocky
Mountain HIDTA. Information and planning ideas are exchanged regarding illegal drug
prevention and enforcement within the state of Montana.
 The MBCC Executive Director participates in Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers
Association (MSPOA) meetings to keep abreast of law enforcement happenings in the
state and to educate MSPOA members of the benefits of collaborating and partnering
with MBCC.
 The MBCC Executive Director is on the Board of Directors of the National Criminal
Justice Association (NCJA). The MBCC Director and JAG Program Manager frequently
assist NCJA in their efforts to ensure that Congress preserves and prioritizes JAG funding
nationwide.
 MBCC, in partnership with the Montana Crime Prevention Association, sponsor annual
Montana Crime Prevention Conferences titled, “Crime Prevention. Connecting People,
Connecting Communities”. The conferences also enforce the idea that “Crime
Prevention is Everyone’s Business.” The conferences contain trainings and workshops
that cover the entire spectrum of the justice system. Over 300 people ranging from law
enforcement, educators, victims’ advocates, corrections officers, lawyers and private
citizens attended the 2013 7th Annual Crime Prevention Conference.
 MBCC in conjunction with local, state and federal partners periodically host trainings
such as:

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

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





Juvenile Justice;
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiatives (JDAI);
State and Local Anti-Terrorism Training (SLATT);
Victim Services;
Human Trafficking;
Addressing Alcohol-Related Public Safety Problems;
Community Response to Domestic Violence;
Environmental Strategies for Combating Underage Drinking;
Crime Prevention Certification;
Drug Endangered Children; and
Fraud Prevention, Enforcement and Prosecution.
 MBCC has been responsible for significant improvements to Montana’s justice system.
Not only does the Board strive to improve the justice system, but it has always been a
forum for the discussion of ideas and innovation in Montana’s justice system.
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Strategic Planning Stakeholders
MBCC staff worked with numerous stakeholders representing a broad spectrum of the justice
system to create Montana’s 2013 – 2015 JAG Strategic Plan. Stakeholders assisting in the
creation of the strategic plan were:
MBCC - Anti-Drug Committee:

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Laura Obert, Broadwater County Commissioner; Representing Local Government;
Jim Cashell, Retired/Gallatin County Sheriff; Representing Local Law Enforcement;
Steve Bullock, Montana Attorney General/Governor-Elect (Assumed the office of
Governor in January 2013); Representing Attorney General;
Steve McArthur, Director of Community Correctional Programs and Transportation;
Representing Community Corrections;
Nick Murnion, Valley County Attorney; Representing Law Enforcement;
Lynn Erickson, U.S. Marshal Service; Representing Local Law Enforcement;
Other Stakeholders:
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Ron Kemp, Roosevelt County Chief Probation Officer;
Jeff Faycosh, Agent; Montana Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigations;
Commander-Eastern Montana Drug Task Force;
Jake Wagner, Lieutenant; Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office; Commander-Missouri River
Drug Task Force
Tom Allen, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office; Commander-Northwest Drug Task Force
Mike Dominick, Undersheriff; Missoula County Sheriff’s Office; Project Director-West
Central Montana Drug Task Force;
Blair Martenson, Agent; Montana Department of Justice-Division of Criminal
Investigations; Commander-Southwest Montana Drug Task Force
Aaron Wittmer, Lieutenant; Havre Police Department; Commander-Tri-Agency Drug
Task Force;
Jeff Beecroft, Sergeant; Great Falls Police Department.
Montana’s 2013 – 2015 JAG Strategic Plan was presented to and approved by the full 18member MBCC.
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Montana’s Statewide Strategic Plan
Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
2013 – 2015
This report was compiled and published
by the
Montana Board of Crime Control
Public Safety and Community Justice Bureau
Published:
March 2013
Edited:
January 2014
Prepared by:
Mark Thatcher, Bureau Chief
State of Montana
Montana Board of Crime Control
5 South Last Chance Gulch
P.O. Box 201408
Helena, Montana 59620-1408
Phone: 406-444-3604
Fax: 406-444-4722
TTY: 406-444-7099
Website: www.mbcc.mt.gov
Laura Obert, Chair
Brooke Marshall, Executive Director
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