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Police

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1. Where is the Billings Police Department?

The Billings Police Department is located on the first floor of City Hall at 220 N 27th Street. City Hall sits on the corner of 3rd Avenue N and N 27th. The Police Department inside City Hall and up the lobby stairs.
Service Window hours of operation:
Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

2. Where is the Crime Prevention Center?

Crime Prevention Center is located to the left (south) of JC Penny's East entrance to Rimrock Mall at 300 S. 24th St. West. (406) 247-8590

Hours of operation:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday

3. How to file a Complaint or Commendation?

A Complaint or Commendation may be filed by faxing (406-657-8417), mailing ( P.O. Box 1554 , Billings , MT 59103 ), or bringing your complaint/commendation form to the Police Department. If you fax or mail your form in, please address it to the Chief of Police. Professional Standards

4. Where is the Detective Division for the Billings Police Department?

The detective division is located on the third floor of City Hall at 220 N 27th. To contact the detective division call (406) 657-8473. Detective Division

5. Where is Municipal (City) Court?

Municipal Court is on the second floor of City Hall, 220 N 27th St. Office hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except holidays. The clerk’s office is accessible from the second floor of Park II parking garage and the skybridge that connects City Hall and the Yellowstone County courthouse. The courtroom is also the City Council chamber. Municipal Court

6. Where is the Youth Services Center?

The Youth Services Center is located at 410 S 26th. (406) 256-6825.

7. Where is Justice Court?

Justice Court is located on the sixth floor of the Yellowstone County Courthouse at 217 N 27th St. It is closed during the noon hour. Justice Court

8. Where is the Sheriff's Office?

The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s office is located at 219 N 26th St. The emergency number is 911. The non-emergency number is (406) 256-2929. The Sheriff’s Office is open 24 hours a day. Sheriff's Office

9. Where is the jail (Yellowstone County Detention Facility)?

Any adult arrested and incarcerated (jailed) by the Billings Police Department is taken to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility (YCDF), located at 3165 King Ave East, (406) 256-6881. Detention Facility

10. How can I get a copy of an accident?

Go to the Billings Police Department at 220 N 27th St.
Service Window hours of operation:
Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
The cost for a copy of the long form accident is $10 and the person requesting the information must be one of the people involved in the accident, a representative of the listed insurance agency with a signed waiver, or legal representative of the person listed on the accident form. Bring proper identification.

11. How can I get a copy of my Billings Police Dept. Criminal Record?

Go to the Billings Police Department at 220 N 27th St.
Service Window hours of operation:
Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
There is a $5 fee for your record, if found; there is no charge if no record is found. Bring proper identification.

12. How can I get a copy of a police report?

Go to the Billings City Attorney's Office located at 220 N 27th St. City attorney approval is required for release of police reports. Once the approval is granted go to the police department service window hours of operation:
Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The person requesting the information must be one of the parties involved, and will only receive the information the City Attorney's grant. Bring proper identification.

13. How do I find out if my car was towed?

A person can call (406) 657-8200. The operator will check the impound logs for that information.

14. What can be done about illegally parked vehicles?

If the vehicle is located in the Downtown Business District or Hospital Corridor, please call (406) 657- 8412. All other locations need to call (406) 657-8200.

15. What are the curfew hours?

Minors who have not reached their 12th birthday shall not be in public places between the hours of 9:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or other competent adult.
Minors who have not reached their 18th birthday shall not be in public places between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am, except on Friday and Saturday nights such hours shall be between midnight and 6:00 am. During the months of June, July, and August the hours of midnight and 6:00 am shall be applicable to all minors under the age of eighteen (18).

16. What is the noise limits for car stereo?

No driver or occupant of a motor vehicle on any public or private property shall operate or permit the operation of a sound amplification system from within a motor vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible (heard) at a distance of fifty (50) feet or more from the motor vehicle. Billings City Code- sec. 24-352. Exemptions: a. A system being operated to request assistance of an emergency nature or to warn of a hazardous situation; b. A system being operated on a vehicle of a gas, electric, communications or water utility company or governmental entity; c. A system permitted by the Billings City Council or the Billings Police Department; d. An authorized emergency vehicle; or e. Audio alarm systems installed in vehicles. BCA.sec.24-353

17. How do I report a crime?

There are several ways to report a crime. If the crime is in progress, dial 9-1-1 to report it. If the crime is cold (or already happened) and an officer needs to respond, or if you are not sure what to do, call (406) 657-8200. If the crime is cold and has no suspects, or if you just need to file a report for documentation purposes, you may go to the Billings Police Department at 220 N 27th or call the Crime Prevention Center at (406) 247-8590

18. Can I get an Internship or Job Shadows with the Billings Police Department?

Internships are coordinated through the Penni Reed at the Crime Prevention Center, (406) 698-3098. Job Shadows are coordinated through Lisa Posada-Griffin at (406) 657-8451.

19. How can I become a Billings police officer?

Check the home page of the Billings Police Department for current information on recruiting. Billings Police

20. How can I volunteer my time to help the Billings Police Department?

The Billings Police Department does use volunteers on an as-needed basis. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call (406) 247-8590

21. When is the police bike viewing?

The evidence clerk for the Billings Police Department schedules this event monthly. The bike viewing is held at 4845 Midland Rd. To claim your bike you need to bring a copy of your report. To find out when the next viewing is please call (406) 237-6192. Viewing Information

22. When is the police auction?

The City of Billings usually holds an auction in June to dispose of property it no longer needs. The Billings Police Department consigns items to this sale. To find out where and when the next auction will be call (406) 657-8216.

23. Where can I get crime statistics?

Please see Billings Police Crime Statistics in the Document Center under Police or click the quick link. Statistics

24. Where can I be fingerprinted?

Currently the Billings Police Department does not provide this service. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office does provide this service. An appointment is necessary and a fee is charged. You may call (406) 256-6941 for more information. Security by Kencothis service.

25. How do I find out if a person is a registered sex offender?

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the offender registry. You can call (406) 256-2939 for this information. Sex Offender Registry

26. How can I obtain a Restraining Order (TRO)?

A restraining order may be obtained from Municipal Court or Justice Court. Municipal Court will only consider orders involving partners or family members. All others must go to Justice Court. The first step is to pick up an application at the proper court and fill it out completely. The clerk of court will then make an appointment for the petitioner to see the judge.

27. Where can I obtain information on Domestic Violence?

A person may call victim services at (406) 247-8668 for information and assistance. Domestic Violence Unit

28. Where can I obtain crime prevention information?

Call the Public Relations Officer at (406) 657-8464 or the Crime Prevention Center at (406) 247-8590.

29. How can I arrange a ride-along with the Billings Police Department?

A person must have an acceptable photo ID, sign an Application & Waiver and be eighteen (18) years of age or older. If the person is under eighteen (18) years of age, a parent or guardian must also sign the Application & Waiver. The Commander on duty has the discretion of approving or disapproving the ride-along.

30. Whom do I call to get a speaker on crime-related issues?

Contact the Public Relations Officer or a BPD representative to speak to a group or organization. (406) 657-8464.

31. What is the Billings Police Protective Association?

The BPPA is a non-profit benevolent organization that raises funds for charitable organizations and community programs. The BPPA sponsors youth activities and participates in charitable events.
The BPPA can be contacted at Box 2104, Billings, MT 59103-2104.

32. How do I report an abandoned car?

Call the Crime Prevention Center (406) 247-8590 to report an abandoned car. The vehicle will be tagged with an orange sticker. A volunteer will check back in five days after the sticker is placed on the vehicle and if the vehicle has not been moved, the volunteer will forward the report to the Yellowstone County Junk Vehicle division to be towed.

33. What is the noise ordinance?

Noise levels are measured in decibels and are different for different areas of the community defined as zones. For example, noise levels in an area zoned for 'heavy commercial' will be higher than areas zoned 'residential-one family'. The decibel listings are too long to list for this response. As a rule of thumb persons should limit activity likely to create a noise complaint between the hours of 8:00 pm and 8:00 am. Anyone wanting to look at the ordinance can go to the City Attorney's office at City Hall.

34. Where is the Animal Shelter?

The Animal Shelter is located at 1735 Monad Road in the Industrial Park Area. It is located east of Par 3 Golf Course and just west of the MET Transit, and south of the cemetery on 15th St. West and Central Avenue. Animal Shelter

35. What happens when I go to court?

Upon arrival, check in at the court door with the court officer and go through a security check. Weapons are not allowed in the courtroom. The court officer will collect your paperwork. Be seated in the courtroom and wait for the judge to call your name. Names are called on a first-come, first-served basis. When your name is called, go forward and stand at the podium in front of the judge’s bench. The judge will read the charge, ask if you understand the charge and the possible penalties, and ask if you plead “guilty” or “not guilty.” If you plead “guilty”, you may explain the circumstances, and the judge will sentence you.

36. Can I get time payments on the fine?

The judge will decide whether you may make time payments or do community service to satisfy your fine.

37. How can I find out how much a fine is for a particular offense?

Call the Municipal Court clerk’s office at (406) 657-8490.

38. Can I pay a fine and not appear before the judge?

If the citation (or ticket) is for a low misdemeanor and does not require an appearance before the judge, you may go to the clerk’s office and pay the fine, or mail in your check or money order prior to the date you are scheduled to appear in court.

39. May I make payments on a fine without appearing before the judge?

You may go to the clerk’s office and make arrangements to make time payments on offenses that do not require you to appear before the judge. You must sign a waiver of your rights, which will be explained to you by the clerk, and you must be able to pay the fine in full within six months.

40. Does Municipal Court take checks?

Municipal Court accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, VISA, and Master Card. However, personal checks are not accepted to bond someone out of jail.

41. How can I contest a traffic citation?

Appear in court on the date the police officer scheduled on your ticket. When the judge asks for your plea, plead “not guilty.” You will be given an opportunity to speak to a prosecutor from the City Attorney’s office. If you reach an agreement with the prosecutor, you may return to the courtroom and change your plea to “guilty.” If you are not able to reach an agreement with the prosecutor, you may return to the courtroom and tell the judge you wish to proceed to trial.

42. Is there a way to keep a traffic citation off my driving record?

If this is your first traffic offense and the citation (or ticket) is for a low misdemeanor, you may ask the judge for a deferred sentence when you appear in court on your scheduled court date. You must still pay a fine and there may be other conditions you will be required to meet.

43. What should I do if I cannot appear in court on the day that the police officer scheduled on my ticket?

Call the clerk’s office at (406) 657-8490. Your court date can be rescheduled one time per incident.

44. What happens if I fail to appear on my scheduled court date?

A non-appearance warrant may be issued. If bond was posted, the bond might be forfeited (lost). Your driver’s license may be suspended for failure to appear or post bond (pay) on a traffic offense.

45. Can I get a probationary driver’s license (work permit) if I refused the breath test?

There is no provision for a probationary driver’s license if you refused the breath test. Your license will be suspended for six months upon a first refusal and a year for subsequential refusals within a five year period.

46. Is there an alternative to going to jail?

The court may allow detention to be served at Alpha House or on house arrest.

47. Will the court appoint an attorney to represent me?

If you are charged with an offense for which you may be sentenced to jail, you may qualify for a court-appointed attorney. At the time of your initial (first) appearance before the judge, you will be asked to complete an affidavit form detailing your financial status. The judge will review the form and decide to appoint a court appointed attorney or not.

48. How can I contact a prosecutor from the City Attorney’s office?

Call the City Attorney’s office at (406) 657-8205 and your call will be transferred to the appropriate prosecuting attorney. City Attorney Information

49. Where and when will an arrestee go to court?

What type of crime was committed and what agency arrested the person will determine when and where the person will appear. A person arrested for a misdemeanor offense by the Billings Police Department will be arraigned (or tried) in Municipal Court. A person arrested for a felony offense by the Billings Police Department will be arraigned in Justice Court then tried in District Court. People incarcerated (jailed) at YCDF for misdemeanors will be arraigned (or tried) at 7:30 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at the YCDF courtroom. People incarcerated (jailed) at YCDF for felonies will be arraigned at 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday, in Justice Court. To find out where the person will be arraigned call YCDF at (406) 256-6881.

50. How do I post someone’s bail?

A person may contact the arresting agency or the jail to find out how much the bail will be. During business hours, they may post bail at the Clerk of Municipal Court’s office, located on the second floor of City Hall at 220 N 27th St. After business hours, bail may be posted at the jail (YCDF).

51. How do I report an abandoned vehicle?

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