2025 Conference Sessions

Opening Remarks

Sheriff Leo Dutton

Chair, Montana Board of Crime Control

Presentation of Colors

Honor Guard

National Anthem

School Choir

Blessings

Sheriff Leo Dutton

Chair, Montana Board of Crime Control

Welcome

Sheriff Leo Dutton

Chair, Montana Board of Crime Control

Discover how leadership, communication, trust, and collaboration can supercharge your team's productivity, spark creativity, and boost job satisfaction.

John will share real-world examples and lead interactive activities that will bring these concepts to life. You'll see firsthand how trust, diversity, and shared goals are the secret ingredients to building a cohesive and high-performing team.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, engage, and elevate your teamwork to the next level!

Victims Track
Healing from the Harder Side of Helping

Daniel Champer

Director of Clinical and Residential Serivces, Florence Crittenton

Following a previously presented training entitled "The Harder Side of Helping”, join Daniel Champer for a conversation about how the dominant discourse around secondary trauma recovery often emphasizes self-care as an individual responsibility. However, emerging neuroscience suggests that trauma recovery is inherently relational and embedded in broader systems. This training takes a deeper dive into Reciprocal Restoration—an alternative framework that moves beyond self-care to a more integrated, co-regulated approach to nervous system healing.

Law Enforcement Track
Recovery Housing: Bridging the Gap Between Justice and Recovery

Tara Williamson

Executive Director, Support and Techniques for Empowering People

Join us for an in-depth look at recovery housing, with a focus on its role in reducing recidivism, relapse, and reincarceration. Designed specifically for law enforcement and probation/parole professionals, this presentation explains how the National Alliance for Recovery Residences certified recovery housing aligns with evidence-based practices to foster stability, reduce criminal justice involvement, and build safer communities. Central to this discussion will be the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards, and the Montana Affiliate RAM which set the benchmark for quality recovery housing. These rigorous certification standards, endorsed by SAMHSA, ensure that recovery homes operate under evidence-based practices and best practices.

General Track
Suicide Safe Care for First Responders

Karl Rosston

Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disibailities Division

Focused on suicide within our culture, this presentation places specific attention on the role of first responders in assessment and intervention with high-risk suicidal people.  The training covers national and Montana data, demographics of a suicidal person, warning signs, suicide risk assessment utilizing the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, safety planning, lethal means counseling, and caring contact.  The training also focuses on evidence-based practices, and resources available.

Community Corrections Track
The Courts and Community Corrections: What was that Judge Thinking?

David Grubich, District Court Judge

8th Judicial District, Cascade County

Join District Court Judge David Grubich to learn how he and his peers across the state interact with Community Corrections.  Focus areas will include sentencing requirements, plea agreements, and other factors District Court Judges use when determining sentences.

Thank you to Community Corrections for providing this session!

MBCC will honor the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and the 2025 Innovative Community Improvement Award recipient. Winners will be announced soon!

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a deserving individual (or group of individuals) who has achieved professional excellence and made lasting contributions to improve Montana’s justice system throughout their career. The award honors an individual’s proven leadership, vision, and innovation in their field.

The Innovative Community Improvement Award is presented to a deserving individual (or group of individuals) who has, through a specific campaign or program, made lasting contributions to promote public safety and crime prevention within their community. The award honors an individual’s proven leadership, vision, and innovation resulting in lasting contributions and significant improvements to their community.

Victims Track
Breaking Barriers: Addressing Domestic Violence and Safety Planning in Rural Communities

Kelly Miller

Lead Advocate, Abuse Support Education Prevention Network

Rebecca Ruhd

Program Director, Abuse Support Education Prevention Network

Explore the unique dynamics and challenges of addressing domestic violence in rural communities. Participants will gain insight into the barriers survivors face in accessing support, including geographic isolation, limited resources, lack of anonymity, and strong community ties that can both support and hinder intervention. The session will highlight how these factors influence safety planning and will present best practices tailored to the rural context.

Law Enforcement Track
Cyber Threats

Darci Humphrey

Crime Analyst, Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations Montana Analysis & Technical Information Center (MATIC)

Karli King

IT Manager/Cyber Liaison, MATIC/MACo

Join Darci and Karli as they provide law enforcement with actionable insights into how to bridge the gap in cyber education, improve threat reporting, and strengthen community trust by being proactive in the face of cyber threats. Key discussion points will include digital threat landscape, understanding basic cyber threats, Montana cyber threat posture, real case studies, and how to report real Montana incidents. This session aims to not only raise awareness but also equip law enforcement officers with actionable tools they can take back to their agencies.

General Track

Tina Hayes

School Safety Specialist, MSSC

Tammy Tolleson Knee

School Support Director, MSSC

Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management is a proactive approach to identifying, analyzing, and mitigating potential threats before they escalate into violence. This course explores evidence-based strategies for recognizing warning signs, assessing risk factors, and implementing effective interventions to protect individuals and communities. Through case studies and practical applications, participants will develop the critical skills needed to anticipate threats and foster safer environments. Law enforcement professionals will gain specialized techniques to prevent violent incidents in schools and strengthen school trust through proactive intervention.

Community Corrections Track
What's New at Montana Department of Corrections? Lots!

Brian Gootkin

Director, Department of Corrections

Eric Strauss

Deputy Director, Department of Corrections

Dive into how the last three years at DOC has led to a generational investment in the Montana correctional system, including funding and authority to renovate and add more secure beds, improve programs and services, upgrade technology capabilities, and expand community corrections. Given the interplay and dependencies on any one part of the system to the rest, this session will share the overall strategy connecting all these projects and provide real-time updates on some of the higher visibility efforts.

Thank you to Community Corrections for providing this session!

MBCC will provide light appetizers.

Victims Track
Look Beneath the Surface-Recognizing Human Trafficking In Our World

Andy Yedinak

Supervisory Agent, Montana Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officer, Human Trafficking Unit

Kylie Erp, MSW

Victim Service Specialist, Montana Department of Justice- Division of Criminal Investigation Human Trafficking Unit

Gain an overall understanding of what Human Trafficking is including the vulnerabilities of victims, indicators/red flags, and the various resources that are currently available to support anti-human trafficking efforts. Join Andy and Kylie as they review the ways Montana combats Human Trafficking within our state by the laws put in place as well as combined efforts between county, state, federal and non-government agencies.

Law Enforcement Track
Sexually Motivated Homicides

Jaymi Goetze, MS

Montana Highway Patrol, Public Agency Training Council

For this session, the instructor and class participants will define atypical behaviors, discuss societal normality behaviors, sexual deviant behaviors, intrusive thoughts, suicide attempts, and more. This course will allow law enforcement officers to gain insight to an emotionally disturbed person and examine sexually motivated homicides through intention of killing a person that is sexually active or with sexual motivation. Examine high profile sexually motivated serial killers: Ed Kemper and John Wayne Gacy through defining sexual homicide, evidence of sexual homicide, characteristics of sexual homicide (constructs) and any diagnosis (Schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, paraphilia’s) that may lead to “why” the person acted the way did.

General Track
Building Healing Systems: The Power of Trauma-Informed Care and Our Center's Mission

Meaghan Rides At The Door

Director, National Native Children's Trauma Center

Explore why recognizing and responding to trauma is critical across service sectors, including juvenile justice systems. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of trauma-informed principles and how we put them into action. We will also introduce our center’s work, offering an inside look at how we operationalize trauma-informed practices to support individuals, communities, and systems. Through key insights, participants will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the importance of trauma-informed care and practical strategies for creating more compassionate, resilient environments. Whether you're a frontline provider, administrator, or policymaker, this session will leave you informed, inspired, and equipped to be a part of the healing process.

Community Corrections Track
Dosage Determination and Tracking and "Building Bridges to Rehabilitation" Effective Behavioral Interventions in Community Corrections

John Williams

Director of Alpha House, Alternative Inc.

Gina Poor

Passages Director, Alternatives Inc.

First Hour-Dosage Determination and Tracking-aims to explore the individualized approach to the treatment of clients in community corrections programs with the intent of reducing recidivism. Participants will gain a better understanding of how treatment dosage plays an integral role in this process. There is a large amount of support for the risk principle which notes that the individual's risk level should correspond to the intensity of the treatment program. We look forward to spending the hour with you to discuss treatment dosage, what it is, why it matters, as well as our techniques for implementing dosage in programs at Alternatives, Inc. By highlighting the benefits of an individualized approach to treatment participants can develop a greater understanding of how community corrections can be a collaborative partner with institutions and probation and parole to assist in both improving public safety and giving individuals involved the greatest chance of long-term success.

Second Hour-“Building Bridges to Rehabilitation” Effective behavioral Interventions in Community Corrections-This training will explore the latest strategies and techniques used in community corrections to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.  Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how behavioral interventions can be used to promote positive change and improve outcomes for individuals under correctional supervision.  By highlighting the benefits of these interventions, law enforcement professionals can better understand how community corrections can support their own efforts to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Thank you to Community Corrections for providing this session!

General Track
AI Discussion Panel

Adam Carpenter

Chief Data Officer, Department of Administration

Cody Donahue

Internet Crimes Against Children Agent (ICAC), Montana Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation

Darci Humphrey

Crime Analyst, Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation Montana Analysis & Technical Information Center (MATIC)

Karli King

IT Manager/Cyber Liaison, MATIC/MACo

Brett Schandelson

Director, Office of State Public Defender

Take a deeper dive into the world of AI. This AI panel will highlight the growing influence of AI in a work setting, emphasizing its potential to enhance learning experiences and administrative efficiency. Also, what to be wary of when utilizing AI. Panelists will discuss emerging trends in AI, such as advancements in natural language processing and the increasing integration of AI in everyday tools and services.

Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

This training was designed to help subgrantees get acquainted with the staff of MBCC. MBCC staff guided current subgrantees through the finer points of successfully managing funds from MBCC. Topics included how to navigate and utilize MBCC’s application and grant management system, AmpliFund, special conditions, changes to reporting requirements and timelines, risk assessment and monitoring, how to calculate match, projected funding opportunity, board meetings, funding decision dates, and more.

This training was strongly recommended for all subgrantees who receive funding through MBCC.

Session Materials

• Subgrantee Training Slides - Program
• Subgrantee Training Slides - Fiscal

Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Scott Donaldson

Director, Collin College Law Enforcement Academy

Morning Session: Emotional Intelligence, Mindset and Resiliency for Law Enforcement

Join Director Donaldson as he explores how understanding and utilizing appropriate emotional intelligence is a key element in police matters and can be seen as a root problem in a majority of police controversies. People with high emotional intelligence have greater mental health, exemplary job performance, and more potent leadership skills. The ability of an officer to express and control their emotions is essential, but so is the ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others. A law enforcement practitioner's ability to manage and use their emotions effectively and in a positive way is crucial for stress management and career survival while aiding in and helping establish positive community relations.

Afternoon Session: 21 ^st Century Leadership and Resiliency

For far too long law enforcement agencies across the country have remained status quo on their agencies’ mission and vision. Often, this can be the result of resistance to change and stagnant leadership. Perhaps the biggest challenge facing police leaders of the 21st century will be to create organizations that can successfully recognize shifts in culture, community expectations and policing philosophies. Today, maybe more so than ever, a need for innovative and new strategies to policing are needed. Communities across the country are looking for, and demanding, new approaches and changes from its law enforcement leaders.

Built for police leaders from agencies of all sizes, The 21st Century Police Leader delivers an advanced and rigorous course designed to foster, train and empower law enforcement leaders at all levels within their organization. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with other police leaders on several topics and best practices as well as address effective leadership strategies, the current state of policing and the discussion of police reform. Classroom dialogue will provide constructive responses to several present-day issues facing leaders.