Forms, Permits, Services, and Resources

Victim Resources

The City of Helena Attorney's Office has a Victim Specialist that can help victims of a crime through the process and refer them to other local, state, and national resources. Victim Specialist Nicole Doyle can be reached at ndoyle@helenamt.gov. Please visit the City Attorney's webpage at https://www.helenamt.gov/Departments/City-Attorney for more information. 

As a crime victim, there are several resources available in Lewis and Clark County: 

Violence Against Women

Victims of violence against women can contact the Friendship Center of Helena at (406)442-6800 during business hours or 1-800-248-3166 after hours. The Friendship Center offers 24-hour domestic violence and rape crisis line, safe shelter for women and children, legal advocacy including orders of protection assistance, court accompaniment, limited emergency financial assistance, support groups, relocation services, support during a rape forensic exam, danger assessment and safety planning, assistance with Crime Victim Compensation claims and community education and outreach. All services are free and confidential. Visit their website at: www.thefriendshipcenter.org.

Order of Protection

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault or any other violent crime, you may be entitled to a court order called an Order of Protection.

An Order of Protection does several things including:

  1. prohibits the offender from threatening to hurt you or physically hurting you;
  2. directs the offender to leave your home and prohibits the offender from having contact with you;
  3. prevents the offender from transferring any property except in the usual course of business;
  4. prohibits the offender from being within 1,500 feet or other appropriate distance from you, any named family member, and your workplace or other specified place;
  5. gives you possession of necessary personal property;
  6. prohibits the offender from possessing a weapon.

If you have children with the offender, file a petition in district court. The court can order all the above and award custody of minor children to you or another appropriate adult. The court may order visitation of children between parents as well as order the offender to pay support payments for child care expenses. 

How to obtain an Order of Protection: An application for an Order of Protection can be obtained at several places including City of Helena Municipal Court (click here for more informationlocated at 406 Fuller Ave, Justice Court (click here for more informationor District Clerk of Court's Office both located at 228 East Broadway Street, and The Friendship Center (click here for more information). 

Restitution and Compensation

As a victim of an assault, you may be eligible for restitution payments from the offender. The offender would repay you for costs occurred as a result of the assault such as medical bills and associated health care costs. There is also a crime victim's compensation payments fund administered by the State of Montana for innocent victims of crime. For more information, call the Crime Victim Compensation Program at (406)444-3653, The Friendship Center at (406)442-6800, the Lewis and Clark County Attorney's Office Victim Witness Advocate at (406)447-8221, or City of Helena Victim Services at (406)457-8595.

Release of an Offender

Victims of crime are entitled to know if their offender has been released from jail on bond. For crimes occurring in Lewis and Clark County, check the LCSO Jail Roster online at www.lccountymt.gov/Sheriff/Detention-Center, or call them at (406)457-8595. For offenders under the State of Montana Department of Corrections supervision, victims are encouraged to register for VINE, or Victim Information and Notification Every Day. This is a free, confidential, service that provides automated telephone, text message, and email notifications about the custody status information on adult felony offenders. This includes offenders on probation or parole, in prison and community-based facilities and programs. Participation in this program is voluntary for the victim. For more information, visit: https://cor.mt.gov/Victims/Notification.

Services

Child Car Safety Checks 

Helena Police officers provide child car safety seat checks to help ensure that children are traveling safely in vehicles. During these checks, trained officers inspect the car seat to make sure it is the correct type for the child’s age, weight, and height, and that it is properly installed according to manufacturer and safety guidelines. Officers can also demonstrate proper installation techniques and answer questions to help parents and caregivers keep children safe while traveling. Call 406-447-8479 to schedule a check. 

Identity Theft Information

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when an individual unlawfully obtains and uses another person’s personally identifiable information (such as a Social Security number, driver’s license number, or financial account information) to commit fraud or other crimes.

Montana Department of Justice Identity Theft Passport Program, which verifies victims of identity theft and provides them with an Identity Theft Passport to help demonstrate that their identity was fraudulently used. The passport can assist victims when dealing with law enforcement, financial institutions, creditors, and government agencies.  To get a passport victims of identity theft will need to file a police report with their local jurisdiction.  Visit the Montana Department of Justice Officer of Consumer Protection for more information and resources available to protect your personal information: www.dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection/identity-theft-and-security-freeze/.

Prescription Medication Dropbox

The police department provides a Prescription Medication Dropbox located in the lobby of the police station at the Law and Justice Center, 406 Fuller Ave. This secure drop box allows community members to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. Proper disposal helps prevent misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental contamination while keeping medications out of the wrong hands. The drop box is available to the public during regular lobby hours for convenient and responsible medication disposal.

Classes and Presentations

Active Shooter Classes (Run Lock Fight)

An Active Shooter Awareness and Response Class provides community members with practical information on how to recognize potential warning signs and respond effectively during an active shooter incident. The class focuses on personal safety strategies, situational awareness, and the widely recognized Run, Lock, Fight response model. Participants will learn how to quickly assess a dangerous situation, make informed decisions to protect themselves and others, and understand how law enforcement responds to these events. The goal of the training is to increase preparedness, reduce panic, and empower individuals with knowledge that can help save lives during critical incidents.

Bank Safety

A Bank Safety Presentation provides bank employees with practical information on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to crimes that commonly target financial institutions. The presentation covers topics such as robbery awareness, fraud and scam trends, suspicious behavior recognition, and safe response procedures during a robbery. Employees will also learn how to protect themselves and customers, preserve evidence, and effectively communicate with law enforcement during and after an incident. The goal of the presentation is to improve safety, awareness, and coordination between bank staff and law enforcement.

Business Safety Review

A Business Safety Review is a presentation provided by the Helena Police Department to help business owners and employees identify ways to improve the safety and security of their workplace. The review covers topics such as crime prevention strategies, recognizing suspicious activity, employee safety practices, and improving physical security measures like lighting, cameras, and access control. The goal is to help businesses reduce opportunities for crime, protect employees and customers, and strengthen communication with local law enforcement.

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design

A Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Class teaches community members and business owners how to use the physical environment to reduce crime opportunities. Helena Police officers explain strategies such as improving lighting, controlling access, maintaining clear sightlines, and designing spaces that encourage natural surveillance. The goal is to help participants create safer homes, businesses, and public areas by proactively using design and layout to deter criminal activity.

CPR/AED Training

A CPR & AED Class taught by Helena Police officers and staff provides participants with hands-on training in life-saving techniques for cardiac emergencies. Attendees learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations. The goal is to equip community members with the skills and confidence to save lives while waiting for professional medical help. 

Participants will be certified by the American Heart Association. 

A small fee is included with this class due to the certification and associated materials.  Please contact HPD for further details.

Guest Speaking

A Helena Police Department Guest Speaker Presentation provides organizations, schools, and community groups with the opportunity to hear directly from law enforcement professionals on a variety of public safety topics. Presentations can cover subjects such as crime prevention, community policing, personal safety, current crime trends, and the role of law enforcement in the community. The goal is to educate, build relationships, and promote open communication between law enforcement and the community.

Neighborhood Safety

A Neighborhood Safety Presentation provides residents with practical information on how to improve safety within their neighborhoods. Helena Police officers discuss topics such as recognizing and reporting suspicious activity, crime prevention strategies, home and property security, and how neighbors can work together to reduce crime. The goal is to increase awareness, strengthen community partnerships, and help residents play an active role in keeping their neighborhoods safe.

Request a Presentation

Please fill out and submit the form below to request a class or presentation from the HPD. 

Forms

Permits

  •  Permit – Catering

    Please come to the police department for a catering permit. There is a $35.00 charge (cash and check only) for catering forms. You must also show proof of a valid Catering Permit License issued from the State of Montana. Call our administration line 406-447-8479 for any questions.
    • Bottle Club:
      It is not lawful for a business to serve alcoholic beverages without a license. This is considered a bottle club and that is prohibited. 16-6-306. Bottle clubs prohibited, MCA We have a helpful fact sheet about what constitutes a bottle club. Bottle-Club.pdf

      Only certain types of entities are eligible for special permits. Special-Permit-Booklet.pdf A for profit business is not eligible for a special permit. 

      At this time Montana laws and rules don’t allow a business to give away alcohol unless they are licensed with us as a full alcoholic beverage license holder.  Some licensees do have a catering endorsement that allows them to cater alcohol to an otherwise unlicensed premises, but they must first hold the actual license in their regular place of business. 

  • Permit – Alarm Permit(DOC, 30KB) 

  • Permit – Beer/Wine 

**If you need a Noise Permit, Parade or Race Permit, Block Party or other street closures, please Visit the Special Events Permit Page.

Complaints

Citizens Complaint(PDF, 595KB)

  • Complaint Packages contain information regarding our complaint process and necessary forms for filing a complaint. They are available from any Helena Police Officer, on the first floor of the Helena City/County Building, or at the police department (406 Fuller Avenue).
  • We prefer complaints be filed in writing. To assist in completely investigating your complaint we ask that you provide your name and contact information so we may contact you with any follow-up and advise you of the outcome of the investigation, however, if necessary, the department will accept unsigned or anonymous complaints.
  • Complaints may be turned into any supervisor in the department.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Administration line at 406-447-8479 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.