2024 Conference Sessions

Opening Remarks

Sheriff Leo Dutton

Chair, Montana Board of Crime Control

Presentation of Colors

Honor Guard

National Anthem

Anaconda Schools Choir

Blessings

Sheriff Leo Dutton

Chair, Montana Board of Crime Control

Welcome

Sheriff Leo Dutton

Chair, Montana Board of Crime Control

Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen

Sheriff, Missoula County

Scott Twito

County Attorney, Yellowstone County

Chief Jeff Newton

Chief of Police, Great Falls Police Department

Chief Jordan Venizio

Chief of Police, Kalispell Police Department

Bryan Lockerby, MBCC board member and Administrator for the Division of Criminal Investigation, moderated a panel discussion focused on the critical issue of homelessness and the varying challenges faced by law enforcement and communities across our state. Numerous law enforcement leaders and communities have encountered different facets of homelessness, each requiring unique solutions and approaches. This panel brought together diverse perspectives from law enforcement and criminal justice representatives to discuss these challenges and share effective strategies that have been implemented in various communities.

MBCC Board Chairman Leo Dutton sat down with U.S. District Attorney Jesse Laslovich to discuss funding that comes from the federal government and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Montana's (USAMT) priorities for criminal justice in Montana.

Victims Track
Effectively Serving LGBTQ+ Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Chanan Brown

Staff Attorney, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Service

This session was built upon the MLEA Domestic Violence Field Guide and detailed the best practices for interacting and supporting LGBTQ+ victims throughout the investigation and prosecution of crimes involving intimate partner and sexual violence. The session covered basic terminology, the unique features of IPV and sexual violence in the LGBTQ+ community, and evidence-based standards for interacting with and supporting LGBTQ+ victims. The session synthesized peer-reviewed academic research and relevant government and non-profit white papers. The session also included an examination of documented case studies and hypothetical fact patterns to demonstrate key concepts.

Law Enforcement Track
Understanding Security Threat Group/ Gang Culture in Montana

Dr. David P. Kenat, Jr

Montana Department of Corrections/Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force Officer/Montana Law Enforcement Academy Adjunct Instructor. Member, American Academy Experts in Traumatic Stress

The training was broken into five sections: 

1. Definition of a Security Threat Group/ Gang, according to Montana and federal law. 
2. Brief history of security threat groups/gangs in the United States and Montana. 
3.  Psychology of Security Threat Groups. 
4. Reasons why juveniles and adults join security threat groups/gangs. 
5. 4 Models of Security Threat Group leadership. The method of information delivery is through lecture and power point presentation. The source of information: 475 hours Security Threat Group/Terrorism/ and Intelligence training, in addition to numerous books read and intelligence briefs reviewed and authored. A bibliography can be provided upon request

General Track
The Nuts and Bolts of school Safety / Standard Response Protocol (SRP)

Tina Hayes

Training and TA Specialist, MSSC

Tammy Tolleson Knee

School Support Specialist, MSSC

Community Corrections Track
Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM)

Erika Wimmer

Quality Assurance of Evidence-Based Practices and Programs (QAEBPP) Bureau Chief, Montana Department of Corrections

Chris Nordstrom

Sex Offender Program (SOP) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Manager at Montana State Prison; LCSW, MSOTA Member, and ATSA Member

Vanessa Petersen

Program Specialist, Montana State Prison

1. Teach skills that help reduce risky and/or harmful behavior 
2. Assist in changing anti-social attitudes, beliefs, and associates. ICPM utilizes goal setting, problem-solving, communication/interpersonal skill practice, and emotional regulation to address the offenders’ individual criminogenic needs based on validated Risk Needs Assessments and secondary assessments. 

Thank you to Community Corrections for providing this session!

MBCC honored the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Marty Lambert, and the 2024 Innovative Community Improvement Award recipient, Northern Lights Family Justice Center.

Find out more about this years winners on the MBCC Recognition Awards page.

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
The Ripple Effect of Trauma: Seeking Vicarious Resilience

Jamie Rogers

Victim Services Bureau Chief, Montana Department of Corrections

Craig Crawford

Founder of Focused Consulting 

Trauma can have a far-reaching and lingering impact, extending beyond the individual who directly experienced it. Through vicarious trauma, those who support trauma survivors, such as advocates, mental health professionals, social workers, first responders, and others, can internalize and be profoundly affected by the trauma narratives they witness. This training explored the ripple effect of trauma and how it lead to vicarious traumatization among caregivers and support providers. Participants gained insights into the emotional, cognitive, and physiological manifestations of vicarious trauma, as well as its potential long-term consequences on well-being and professional efficacy. Strategies for developing vicarious resilience were introduced, empowering attendees with practical tools to mitigate the detrimental impacts of indirect trauma exposure. Through enhanced self-awareness, self-regulation techniques, and organizational support systems, caregivers cultivated the capacity to bear witness to trauma narratives while preserving their own resilience. (NIH, Psychiatric Times, OVC, Newell & MacNeil, 2010, World Health Organization). By understanding the ripple effect of trauma and embracing vicarious resilience, helping professionals can sustainably continue their vital work of supporting trauma survivors while safeguarding their own mental health and overall well-being. This training provided a path toward a trauma-informed, sustainable approach to caregiving through art therapy, storytelling, instruction, reflection techniques, small group work, and PowerPoint education.

Law Enforcement Track
Working Together - Saving Lives - Supervising Domestic Violence Offenders Within Our Communities.

Corey Purves

Probation and Parole Officer, Montana Department of Corrections

Heather Moore

Probation and Parole Sgt., Montana Department of Corrections

Corey and Heather discussed how Great Falls started the statewide action, on how to supervise Domestic Violent Offenders in our community and the strategies that they utilized to be successful and discussing the additional supervision rules, that they utilized, in order to gain compliance within this violent offender population. - Source of Information is from APPA Standards and Best Practice's. They discussed the forms that we implemented, via Missoula County DV Task Force. They also discuss the trainings that they brought into Great Falls, and what they will continue to do, through the Task Force.

General Track
Walk a Day in Their Shoes - A Reentry Simulation

Katie Weston

Probation & Parole Officer II, Montana Department of Corrections

Community Corrections Track
Using Data to Determine Program Effectiveness

Dan Krause

Boyd Andrew Community Services' COO

This session focused on the Elkhorn Treatment Center’s (ETC) experience devising and implementing a plan for evaluating its effectiveness. Dan shared how evaluation is conducted at ETC and discussed the low cost platform that is utilized to generate usable data. Data collected during the past three years was presented with a focus upon how it has been used to improve the overall program as well as enhance program impact for participants on an individual basis.

Thank you to Community Corrections for providing this session!

MBCC provided hours d’oeuvres outside at the Pavilion, live music, and cornhole. 

Law Enforcement Track
From Arrest to Recovery: Transforming Communities Through Recovery Focused Partnerships

Stephanie Taylor-Thompson

Dan O'Malley

Montana Association of Counties Risk Management Specialist for Law Enforcement. Retired Detective Lewis and Clark County Sherriff's Office

Dan and Stephanie shared their inspiring story of Stephanie's arrest and how Dan has helped change the trajectory of her life in addiction to becoming her best mentor. This presentation promoted collaboration and inspiration between arresting officers and individuals to foster a more empathetic and understand approach to policing. The session enforced the effectiveness of recovery, mental health and trauma informed policing and strategies in reducing crime rates, enhancing community trust and improving arrest outcomes.

Victims Track
Establishing Teamwork for the Best Outcomes

Dan Saban

Retired Law Enforcement Officer, Esteemed Unsung Hero Recipient

Barb Jenkins

Author of Burying Jane Doe, A Journey of Courage and Strength

How to better prepare victim service providers in how to approach the police. How to humanize the person behind the crime and not just focus on the crime itself. The benefits of a victim centric approach where police and social workers, Victim Advocates, Department of Child Services, Office of Child Welfare Investigations, prosecuting attorneys, SANE Nurses and physicians work together to reduce the trauma of physical and sexual abuse - where victimization is transformed into empowerment.

General Track
It Won't Be Easy, But It Will be Worth It: Veterans Treatment Court

Denver Cobb

Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator 

Kathy Hankes

Veterans Treatment Court Case Manager

Cascade County Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator, Denver Cobb and case manager, Kathy Hankes discussed the success, challenges and outcomes of the Veterans Treatment Court. 

Community Corrections Track
Enhancing Crisis Intervention: Data-Driven Approaches and Community Collaboration

Theresa Williams, LCSW, CMHPP

CIT Program Manager, Missoula County; CIT Montana Board Member

Mary Parish, MS

CIT Program Manager, Missoula County

Theresa and Mary provided an insightful session on the evolution and successes of the Missoula Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. They delved into the journey of how their CIT program was developed, highlighting the critical role of data collection and research in shaping their strategies. Attendees gained practical tips, tools, and resources to adapt and implement in their own communities, fostering effective and sustainable crisis intervention systems. This session was designed for behavioral health, advocacy, first responders and criminal justice professionals seeking to enhance their local crisis intervention efforts through evidence-based, data-driven approaches and collaborative community partnerships.

Objectives:

• Understand the development and key milestones of our CIT program.

• Explore the importance of data collection and research in enhancing crisis intervention strategies.

• Learn practical tips and tools for implementing effective CIT programs in various community settings.

• Access valuable resources and templates to support the adaptation of CIT strategies in your community.

• Engage with experts in a Q&A session to address specific challenges and opportunities in your own jurisdictions.

   

Thank you to Community Corrections for providing this session!

Breakout Session 4

General Track
Enhancing Community Crisis Response: From Tabletop Exercises to Trauma-Informed Recovery

Kevin Larsen

Operations and Training Manager, Gallatin County Emergency Management

Scott McCormick

School Resource Sergeant, Bozeman Police Department

Marilyn King

Ed.D. Deputy Superintendent/District Safety Coordinator, Bozeman School District

Mike Van Vuren

Deputy Superintendent, Bozeman School District

Jeannette R. Miller

FBI Victim Specialist

Michele L. Stewart

FBI Victim Specialist

This comprehensive presentation merged theoretical frameworks with practical application to strengthen community-wide crisis response capabilities. The session explored the four phases of crisis management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, with a particular focus on implementing trauma-informed approaches during response and recovery phases.

Attendees gained valuable insights into designing and facilitating effective tabletop exercises (TTXs), a critical tool for validating and improving emergency response plans. Drawing from a recent case study involving the Bozeman School District in March 2023, the presenters demonstrated how TTXs can enhance inter-organizational coordination and identify areas for improvement in existing protocols.

The presentation delved into victim-centered response strategies, addressing the unique needs of those impacted by mass casualty events. Participants learned to anticipate common challenges, identify essential resources for affected individuals, and integrate trauma-informed practices throughout all stages of crisis management.

By the end of the session, attendees were equipped to:

1. Design and implement collaborative tabletop exercises to test and refine emergency response procedures
2. Improve overall mitigation and preparation strategies within their organizations
3. Develop a more nuanced understanding of victims' needs during response and recovery phases
4. Effectively coordinate and utilize available resources for impacted persons
5.  Incorporate trauma-informed approaches into all aspects of crisis management

This presentation combined theoretical knowledge with practical experience, offering attendees a holistic view of crisis response that emphasizes both systemic preparedness and compassionate care for those affected by traumatic events.

Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 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, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Amy Tan

Analytical Manager, Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN)

Ken Webber

Intelligence Research Supervisor, Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN)

Jennifer Rodems

Accounting Fraud Examiner, Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN)

2-day lecture and practical training designed to give students a basic understanding of preparing for and testifying in a professional and confident manner with an emphasis on becoming an expert witness.

To register, please contact Amy Tan at atan@rmin.riss.net or 623.251.3134. 

Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tawny Rogers

Victim Services Liaison, Montana Board of Crime Control

This was a two-day training. Through eight modules, attendees learned how to define trauma, identify ways it impacts criminal justice system participants, and develop tools for ensuring their agency is trauma sensitive and safety supporting.

The purpose of this training was to provide criminal justice professionals with:

• an understanding of trauma and its impact on offenders, victims, and the community,
• the effects of vicarious trauma, and
• how to implement changes within your agency to be trauma-informed.