Columbia Falls, MT – The Columbia Falls Police Department has applied for a grant from the Montana Department of Transportation to fund a new position aimed at tackling the growing issue of driving under the influence (DUI). The proposed grant, valued at $135,262, would cover the salary and benefits for a dedicated officer focused solely on DUI enforcement.
In 2024, Columbia Falls saw 107 DUI arrests, a concerning number for a town with a population of just over 5,700 residents. Police Chief Chad Stephens noted that the number of arrests is notably high for such a small community. He pointed to the town’s location along Highway 2, a major transitory route, as a key factor contributing to the problem. “Most of it is transitory due to Highway 2 running right in the middle of town. So a lot of the DUIs come from people passing through our community,” Stephens explained.
With the heavy flow of traffic and an influx of tourists passing through the area, Stephens believes that a dedicated officer would help make a significant impact in deterring impaired driving. He emphasized that the goal is not only to enforce the law but to send a message to drivers that Columbia Falls does not tolerate DUI offenses. “If we have a reputation that we don’t tolerate impaired driving, then hopefully that will have an impact on those folks,” Stephens said. “Having a drink or something like that, they’ll think be a little bit more responsible about maybe I need a ride home.”
The grant application is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to reduce DUI-related incidents and enhance public safety. If successful, the department plans to begin the process of hiring the new officer in October 2025.
Local authorities are hopeful that the addition of a dedicated DUI officer will not only help reduce the number of arrests but also serve as a preventive measure, encouraging responsible behavior among both residents and transient drivers in the area.
