The people of Cascade County deserve the very best in public safety and law enforcement. Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and throughout my time as sheriff, I have proven public safety works best when agencies, local leaders, and citizens work together.
I’ve worked hard to break down silos between agencies, leading to stronger collaboration, sharing resources, and responding more effectively to the challenges facing our county. I believe transparency and accountability are essential. The public deserves clear communication and a voice in how their Sheriff’s Office operates.
The detention center is the backbone of the criminal justice system, yet it remains underfunded and understaffed. At the same time, our facilities are aging and require constant investment to remain safe and operational. Over the last seven years, we have invested nearly $6 million into repairs and infrastructure improvements, but long-term sustainability remains critical.
Law enforcement continues to operate in a rapidly changing environment. Social media has transformed how information spreads, and public opinion often forms before all the facts are known. That makes honest, timely communication more important than ever.
The role of sheriff goes far beyond enforcing laws. In Cascade County, the sheriff oversees 14 statutory responsibilities, including Disaster and Emergency Services and the Coroner’s Office. The job requires leadership, accountability, and a commitment to protecting constitutional rights while keeping our communities safe.
In my third term, my priorities will remain focused on long-term public safety solutions. Including advocating for sustainable school safety funding, continuing efforts to reform jail funding, improving recruitment and retention, and increasing public education about the challenges facing law enforcement and county government.
Addressing addiction and mental health must also remain a priority. We continue connecting inmates with treatment providers, mental health professionals, and recovery programs while expanding crisis intervention efforts in the community. Cascade County is overdue for a dedicated mental health stabilization center so individuals in crisis receive timely treatment instead of unnecessarily ending up in jail.
At the end of the day, my mission remains simple: put the communities of Cascade County first, protect public safety, maintain transparency and accountability, support the men and women who serve this county, and ensure the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office continues evolving to meet the needs of our community.
By: Jesse Slaughter, Cascade County Sheriff: May 20, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
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