Conduct a round table discussion focused on the City's strategic goal to Improve the Health and Safety and DRAFT objectives and action items.

Since 2019 the Council has adopted the goal of "Improving Safety".  In both 2020 and 2021 the organization developed and presented public safety levies that voters approved.  The 2020 levy took place during the pandemic and was appropriately labeled as a "repeal and replace" levy that thankfully prevented the city from reducing staffing levels of police and fire services.  The 2021 levy added resources to all aspects of the city's criminal justice system, including police officers, police supervisors, non-sworn officers, prosecutors, victim advocates, code enforcement officers and a 2nd full-time judge.  And though progress is being made, our crime rates and the ages of kids who have been both perpetrators and victims of crime are unacceptable. 

Billings faces significant challenges. Too many women, men and children are experiencing trauma through family violence.  Gun violence and gang activity among teenage boys has become prevalent.  The good news is our community and this organization are not willing to accept this as the norm and is determined to change the direction we are headed.  We also understand that as the City grows, a successful turnaround becomes more and more difficult.

Attached to this memo is a draft strategic plan summary that includes the strategic goal: Improve the Health and Safety of Billings with the following Objectives: Prevent Crime, Reduce Family Violence, Increase Criminal Intervention, Reduce Violent and Property Crime, Improve Downtown Safety, Increase Levels of Fire Service, Increase Levels of Emergency Medical Services, Maximize the Effectiveness of Public Safety Services and Create a Public Safety Communication Plan.

Invites went to: Assistant US Attorney Laslovich, Dept of Correction, Probation and Parole, County Attorney Twito, Sheriff Linder, Judges Faer, Coalar and Heller, Chief StJohn, City Attorney Dahl, and our family justice team of Nash, Halverson and Stanton through personal conversations and the following email:

Please join the mayor and council, city staff, assistant US attorney, dept. of corrections, probation & parole, sheriff, county attorney and our family justice center team to discuss actions we can take to improve safety and reduce crime in our community. 

Early in 2024 the City Council will be asked to review, create and approve specific Strategic Goals, Objectives and Action Plans to provide clear direction to our city staff.  Improving Safety will undoubtedly top this list.  As you are well aware, solutions to this complex problem require working effectively across the entire criminal justice system, a system that crosses city, county, state and federal jurisdictions. 

To clarify what you are walking into, I’m asking that everyone share their ideas on specific action steps to accomplish the following highlighted objectives (the remaining objectives will be discussed during future public meetings).   You will not be asked to stand up and make a presentation but rather participate in a dialogue.  Our staff will be taking notes so the ideas can be captured and considered as we refine and prioritize how best to move forward in 2024.

1. Prevent Crime
2. Reduce Family Violence
3. Increase Criminal Intervention
4. Reduce Violent and Property Crime
5. Improve Downtown Safety
6. Improve Traffic Safety
7. Increase Levels of Fire Service
8. Increase Levels of Emergency Medical Services
9. Maximize Effectiveness of Public Safety Services
10. Create a Public Safety Communication Plan

The meeting is being held Monday, Dec 4 at 5:30 in the Billings Public Library Community room on the 1^st floor.  

Thank you for your time and consideration,

City Council may:

• Approve; or,
• Not Approve

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Stakeholders have been invited to participate in a round table discussion with the Mayor and City Council to discuss what actions should be taken to improve the safety of Billings.