And just like that – Miles City CUTS 3-police officers from the already strained force.
The Miles City Police Department has just lost 3-full time police officer positions due to City Budget cuts for FY 2024-2025. Two positions are currently filled with young officers who have young families. Those two positions are now GONE. One position was vacant, but they were actively trying to fill it.
The City’s been trying to run our Police Department with severe defunding for the past few years. The defund is not the MCPD’s fault – yet they are the ones feeling the painful brunt of this budget absurdity – which – in reality – means the citizens will feel the ill-effects most potently. Strangers are pulling off the Interstate and committing crimes more often, and more patrolling is needed to prevent crimes. Then there are the rising arrest numbers and problems reported by local businesses: like shoplifting running into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Thankfully, MCPD Chief Doug Colombik has worked to get access to $125,000 thru the Cops Hiring Grant, which was to be used to hire the 17th police officer. But this is just a sliver of the needed financial response to keep our citizens and businesses safe!
Our city NEEDS more trained and properly supported police officers! The national average (FBI 2019 stats) is 2.3 officers per 1000 residents. Miles City has 8400 residents. By this math Miles City should be operating with 19-20 full time officers. Now with the City budget cuts, we are down to 14 officers. It’s hard on the MCPD – it’s dangerous for the community and its citizens.
Read the City Council 2024/2025 FINAL BUDGET >
Read the letter Chief of Police, Doug Colombik read at the City Council meeting on September 3, 2024 and again on September 5, 2024, when they APPROVED the detrimental cuts.
