Re-Elect Steve Holton For Sheriff Logo

Meet Steve Holton

A proven record of integrity, accountability, and service. Discover the experience that makes Sheriff Holton the right choice for Ravalli County.

Professional Experience

Key Accomplishments

Implemented K9 program for dangerous drug interdiction and investigations.
Implemented a community outreach and volunteer program, and created the "Shop With a Cop" program.
Implemented a Citizens Academy Program.
Built and implemented a county-wide Threat Assessment Team.
Created a behavioral health unit to coordinate resources to mental health issues and reduce interaction with the criminal justice system.
First Montana county to implement The Man Up Crusade to raise awareness of domestic violence and support victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Implemented a complete Records Management System that integrates computer-aided dispatching, jail management, and all aspects of RCSO records management.
Implemented Mobile Data Terminals in patrol vehicles for efficiency and safety.
Complete review and implementation of new policy and procedure manuals for both law enforcement and detention/custody.
Jail Diversion Program and complete renovation of jail medical administration.
Upgraded and improved Sheriff's app for community notifications and engagement, and implemented a Sheriff's Mounted Patrol.
Implemented officer wellness programs, policies, and resources for employees (Cordico App for employees, annual employee retreat), and currently implementing a new 911 training program for dispatchers.

Specialized Qualifications

Deputy Coroner

Served directly as Deputy Coroner from 2006 to 2017, investigating and handling critical county matters with the utmost respect and professionalism.

Search and Rescue

Acted as the Search and Rescue Coordinator for Ravalli County from 2011 to 2015, overseeing emergency wilderness response.

Crisis Negotiator

Dedicated 13 years (2003 - 2016) as a specialized Crisis Negotiator, resolving high-tension situations safely and effectively.

Training & Instruction

Committed to rigorous law enforcement training standards, serving as an ASP Baton Instructor since 2001.

Organizations & Volunteer Groups

National Rifle Association Life Member
Montana Sheriff’s & Peace Officers Association Member since 1999. Board of Directors since 2021. Executive Board Member since 2023, currently 1st Vice President.
Montana Coroner Association Board of Directors Region 1 Representative (2010-2022). Elected Association Secretary 2022 to present.
National Academy Associates Montana/Idaho Chapter member since 2015. Currently co-chair of the Montana Selection Committee.
Supporters of Abuse Free Environments (SAFE) Board of Directors, since 2016.
Western States Sheriff’s Association Member since 2017.
National Sheriffs Association Member since 2017.
Montana Guardian Fund Board of Directors Member since 2017.
Montana Association of Counties Property Casualty Trustee, elected 2019 to present.
Montana Association of Counties Board of Directors (2021 to present). Serving as the Montana Sheriffs and Coroners Representative.
Northern Rockies Coordinating Group Board of Directors (2020 to present). Serving as the Montana Sheriffs Representative.
Ionic Lodge #38 Member since 2019.
Veterans Victory Alliance Board of Directors since 2022.
Statewide Court Security Advisory Committee member since 2025.
Detention Facilities Peer Review Advisory Committee for statewide program since 2025.

Campaign Information & FAQ

7-32-2121. Duties of sheriff. The sheriff shall:

  • preserve the peace;
  • arrest and take before the nearest magistrate for examination all persons who attempt to commit or have committed a public offense;
  • prevent and suppress all affrays, breaches of the peace, riots, and insurrections that may come to the sheriff's knowledge;
  • perform the duties of a humane officer within the county with reference to the protection of animals;
  • attend all courts, except municipal, justices', and city courts, at their respective terms or sessions held within the county and obey their lawful orders and directions;
  • command the aid of as many inhabitants of the county as are necessary in the execution of the sheriff's duties;
  • take charge of and keep the detention center and the inmates in the detention center;
  • take charge of and supervise search and rescue units and their officers whenever search and rescue units are called into service;
  • serve all process or notices in the manner prescribed by law and perform other duties that are required by law.

7-4-2911. Duties of county coroner. The county coroner shall:

  • hold inquests as provided in Title 46, chapter 4, parts 1 and 2;
  • inquire into the cause, manner, and circumstances of all human deaths, and establish the identity of the deceased person;
  • provide decent disposal of an unclaimed dead human body and unclaimed parts of bodies believed to be human;
  • maintain records of inquiries as required by good practice and by law;
  • as soon as practicable upon identifying a dead human body, provide for notifying the next of kin;
  • preserve evidence involving any human death, including placing under the coroner's control any personal and real property that may be related to or involved in the death;
  • witness and certify deaths that are the result of a judicial order;
  • inquire into any human death when no physician or surgeon licensed in the state will sign a death certificate.

Please contact Sheriff Holton On our Contact Form with your name, email, phone number, and address, and we will get back to you as soon as possible to arrange delivery.

For all official voter registration information, voting locations, and deadlines, please visit the official Ravalli County Voter Registration Page.

The Man Up Crusade is a domestic violence awareness movement through the sport of rodeo, dedicated to bringing awareness to communities and “breaking the cycle of domestic violence."

Sheriff Holton partnered with the Ravalli County Fair and Rodeo Committee to bring the Man Up Crusade to Ravalli County in 2018, the first Man Up Crusade rodeo in Montana. Sheriff Holton also uses the Man Up Crusade as a fundraiser to benefit SAFE In The Bitterroot, our local domestic violence shelter and victim advocacy center. Through the sale of raffle tickets, merchandise, and sponsors, our local efforts have raised over $54,000 for SAFE.

Sheriff Holton and the Man Up Crusade will be at the Ravalli County Fair and Rodeos again this year. Please visit them under the Grandstands to join the crusade.

Learn more at: www.manupcrusade.com

Political campaigns are expensive and donations are greatly appreciated. All campaign donations are used responsibly and in compliance with election laws to support voter outreach, campaign operations, and communication efforts. We are committed to transparency and ensuring funds are used efficiently and appropriately.