Strategy: Create a line of communication between the community and law enforcement on how to report and follow-up on suspicious behavior.

Who, what, when, how?

1. Approach Richland County Law Enforcement to find out if they have the capacity and what their current practices are. (Crimestoppers, etc.)

In progress: Crimestoppers is a possibility, but funding and an advisory board with a strong community commitment must be established.  An online crime reporting form is also being worked on.

2. Research how other communities address this issue.

In progress: One community in Florida encourages youths to report drug and alcohol-related crimes via text message and MySpace.

3. District II records all DUIs that come through their door.

The Misdemeanor Probation Officer and District II track statistics.

4. Contact communities about giving crime detection sessions.

5. Utilize existing grant to address the environmental factors in Richland County that contribute to drug use and crime.

In progress: Montana Change Project has an action plan which is focused on changing environmental factors and community perceptions that relate to youth alcohol abuse and drinking and driving.  They are currently working on a media campaign.

6. Create links between police and community groups such as the schools, after-school programs, and faith-based communities.

7. Develop written material about reporting for public distribution.

8. Develop Public Service Announcements about contacting law enforcement.

9. Facilitate talks about seat belts, etc. with law enforcement and EMS.

The Safe Kids, Safe Communities grant, which includes seatbelt education is being reapplied for, but it is given out at the state level.  There is also a primary seat belt law in the legislature this session.

10. Research seat belt usage in Richland County and what information is available.

11. Post Neighborhood Watch signs on existing signs. (Eg. Attach below Sunrise City sign, ask the city)

In progress: Community interest in Neighborhood Watch was low the last time there was an attempt to organize it.

12. Neighborhood Watch curriculum for kids and teach at BGC.

Strategy: Reduce drug use

Who, what, when, how?

1. Total inventory of what’s being done in town to address drug use.

2. Have local officers help with DARE program and graduations instead of out-of-town officers to better forge relationships.

Not feasible: DARE officer training and time investment is significant, so only one officer in the county is trained, local officers are also brought in and encouraged to have a partnership with schools when possible.

Strategy: Implement age-appropriate education in school system addressing domestic violence issues.

Who, what, when, how?

1. Determine what is being taught in schools.

In January of every school year the freshmen health and PE class receives two weeks of healthy relationship and domestic violence education.  Reps from RCCADV present information on DV.  At least once a year, RCCADV places a display at the Sidney High School addressing teen dating violence or sexual assault. An advocate from RCCADV attends the self-defense seminar and provides attendees with information on staying safe.

2. Determine what are the current best practices for domestic violence education.

RCCADV conducted an intense community audit with a third party and from the audit has implemented a Community Crisis Response (CCR) team.

Strategy: Create community awareness of domestic violence services available.

Who, what, when, how?

1. Posters in bathrooms about services in high schools, public buildings, and restaurants/bars/casinos.

RCCADV posts posters where they have been given permission, they are also making posters targeting men to make them aware and ask them to discourage domestic violence.  They also want to put them up in the fair bathrooms, they are distributed in January, April and October.

Strategy: Determine who is in the coalition for domestic violence, what their goals are, and how they can be implemented.

Who, what, when, how?

1. Determine who is on the board and meet with them, presenting collected data.

Board members are Patti Boyer, Rita Braun, Twyla Gustafson, John Dynnesson and Brad Baisch.  Goals are written into each grant specific to that grant.

Strategy: Implement a county-wide reporting/tracking system for domestic violence situations.

RCCADV already has a program for tracking offenders, the Domestic Abuse Intervention Network (DAIN).  We also have a program for tracking victims and what services they are provided, this program is called PDQ.

1. Track entire system: all calls, arrests, convictions, and prosecutions (for assistance), the number of home visits – Partner and Family Member Assault (PFMA) and counselor referrals.

The 7th Judicial District Court has hired Amber Ellis to perform duties as ½ time misdemeanor probation officer and ½ time PFMA compliance officer.  Amber will work with RCCADV to keep track of arrests, convictions, etc.  She will sit on the CCR team.  The 7th District will soon be served by a Victim Witness Advocate, a position which was previously out of Glendive and will now be out of the Richland County Attorney’s office.

2. Compile the data to show the system.

Data is available from the RCCADV.

3. Strengthen advocacy in response.

RCCADV would like to increase the number of volunteer advocates.

4. Determine what information is given to victims.

Law enforcement gives out packets which include Victim Rights and RCCADV also gives out packets.  RCCADV packets contain Temporary Order for Protection paperwork along with a Montana Crime Victim’s Compensation brochure and other handouts.

5. Make sure on-call list is available for all service providers for crisis calls.

RCCADV gives copies to Law Enforcement and the Sidney Health Center.