My Background & Education
I am a graduate of Hamilton High School, Wyoming Technical Institute, the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, and the FBI National Academy through the University of Virginia.
I have earned every Montana Public Safety Officer law enforcement certificate available: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, Coroner, Command, and Administrative.
My Service & Experience
I have served Ravalli County in law enforcement for my entire adult life. My experience includes:
- 3 years as a Ravalli County Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy.
- 27 years as a sworn full-time Deputy and Sheriff with the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office.
- Service as Patrol Deputy, Corporal and Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Undersheriff, and Sheriff.
- 10 years as Deputy Coroner and Chief Deputy Coroner, and 10 years as Coroner by the end of this term.
- Assignments as a Crisis Negotiator, Cadet Coordinator, Reserve Deputy Coordinator, Search and Rescue Coordinator, Senior Operator, and Instructor.
- Nearly 28 years as a small business owner in Hamilton.
- 11 years as a Board Member for SAFE In The Bitterroot.
- Current 1st Vice President of the Montana Sheriff’s and Peace Officers Association.
- Current Secretary of the Montana Coroners Association.
- Service with the Montana Association of Counties, MACo Property Casualty Trust, and the Northern Rockies Coordinating Group.
Why I’m Running
I am running for re-election because I love Ravalli County. This is my home. I own a business here, I raised four wonderful children in the Bitterroot Valley, and my friends and family live here.
I am dedicated to maintaining Ravalli County as a safe place to live, work, and play. I also believe strongly in maintaining the relationships the Sheriff’s Office has built with service organizations, creating new partnerships, and continuing to collaborate as new issues arise.
Addressing Mental Health
One of the biggest challenges we face is the mental health crisis in Ravalli County. Too often, our jail has become the default mental health facility for people in crisis.
That is why we incorporated a Behavioral Health Unit at the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office. This unit helps coordinate resources for people suffering from a mental health crisis, divert cases away from the criminal justice system when appropriate, reduce 911 call load and deputy responses, and strengthen partnerships with community providers through the Ravalli County Behavioral Health Coalition.
Domestic Violence Prevention
I believe competent investigation and prosecution of domestic violence cases is homicide prevention. The majority of homicides I have investigated over the last 30 years have been domestic violence related.
Education and prevention are key. That is why we brought the Man Up Crusade to Ravalli County to raise awareness of domestic violence. This effort has raised over $54,000 for SAFE In The Bitterroot, our local domestic violence shelter and advocacy center.
Our Domestic Violence Intervention Officer grant has also helped lower recidivism and hold offenders accountable through lethality assessments for victims and mandatory PIVOT classes for offenders.
Dangerous Drug Investigations
Interdiction and aggressive dangerous drug investigations remain a priority for me. Methamphetamine is still the number one drug problem in Ravalli County.
Since I was elected, the Sheriff’s Office has had two drug canine units, with one currently still in service. We have also dedicated an investigator, with full administrative support, and an experienced patrol deputy to target drug distribution in our communities.
Modernizing Public Safety
With the support of the Board of County Commissioners, we have worked hard to purchase and implement technology that helps our staff serve the community more efficiently and safely.
- We implemented a records management system that connects 911, the jail, law enforcement, and partner agencies.
- We added mobile dispatch so deputies can view calls in real time and self-dispatch when appropriate.
- We instituted jail software to document cell checks and other safety duties, helping staff work more efficiently while protecting inmates.
- We added RapidSOS and text-to-911 to improve emergency response and help first responders locate people faster.
- We established a robust drone program to assist with investigations, search and rescue, and officer safety in tactical situations.
Training, Outreach & Service
We built a work schedule for sworn deputies that incorporates relevant and necessary training into the work week. This has enhanced deputy skills and reduced overtime.
We also created a Mounted Patrol Unit, which has been a great success for community engagement and large-event security. In addition, our Community Outreach and Volunteer Program supports events such as Shop With a Cop and National Night Out at no cost to taxpayers.
My Commitment
Over the course of my career, I have taken every opportunity to learn as much as I possibly can so I can better serve this community competently, professionally, and compassionately.
I have nearly 30 years of experience and training in local law enforcement and administration, along with the statutory responsibilities of both the Sheriff and Coroner. I also have over 20 years of death investigation experience, Montana POST Coroner certification, and search and rescue management experience.
If elected, I can confidently promise that I will come to work every day and work harder than anyone else to represent and serve the citizens of Ravalli County.
I want to thank the Bitterroot Star for the opportunity to respond to the questionnaire and inform our community during this election.
Sheriff-Coroner Steve Holton