This is a work session intended for discussion only. No formal action is requested.

This work session is intended to provide City Council with a high-level overview of the City’s domestic violence response system and facilitate a structured discussion regarding current practices, identified challenges, and potential areas for future review or improvement.

The City’s domestic violence response involves a coordinated system that includes the Billings Police Department, City Attorney’s Office, Family Justice Center/YWCA, County Attorney’s Office, detention and court systems, victim advocacy services, and other community partners. The City’s role within that system includes emergency response, investigation, misdemeanor prosecution, coordination with partner agencies, victim support coordination, and ongoing enforcement efforts.

Recent public discussion following a domestic violence homicide has raised questions regarding training, response protocols, protection order enforcement, investigative capacity, victim advocacy coordination, release decisions, and broader system coordination. Councilmembers have also requested information regarding best practices and potential opportunities for future improvement.

The purpose of this initial work session is not to present a final plan or comprehensive analysis, but rather to establish a baseline understanding of the current system and begin a structured discussion regarding potential future improvements and priorities. Staff will provide a high-level overview in several topic areas including:

Training and protocols;
Protection order response;
Release decisions and coordination;
Risk and lethality assessment;
Victim advocacy and co-response;
Dedicated domestic violence response capacity;
Domestic violence fatality review;
Legislative considerations.

Due to active criminal proceedings and legal limitations surrounding protected information, some case-specific details may be limited or unavailable for public discussion. Additionally, portions of the domestic violence response system involve agencies and decision points outside direct City authority. Future discussions may require participation from additional external partners.

This work session is intended to help establish a shared understanding of the current system, identify areas requiring additional review, and assist Council in providing direction regarding future analysis, policy considerations, operational priorities, and potential resource discussions.

As this is a discussion item, alternatives include:

Direct staff to return with additional information or deeper analysis in identified areas;
Expand future work sessions to include additional agencies, stakeholders, or operational topics.