Flathead County records approximately 5,441 arrests each year, contributing to Montana's annual total of about 71,000 arrests. According to Montana's Public Records Laws, most arrest records are available to the public for a fee of no more than $20 per record. However, records containing sensitive information, such as those involving juveniles, adoption proceedings, family law matters, and active criminal cases, remain confidential. Access to these restricted records is granted only to authorized parties, including individuals named in the record, their legal representatives, municipal police departments, and the Flathead County Attorney's Office.
Individuals seeking arrest records in Flathead County can obtain them from the following sources:
It is advisable for requesters to familiarize themselves with the specific procedures of each agency to ensure compliance with their requirements for processing record requests.
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office manages all arrest records within the county. Individuals interested in obtaining these records may do so by submitting a completed public records request form either by mail or in person at the following address:
920 South Main Street
Suite 100
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5585
An alternative method for obtaining arrest records in Flathead County is by reaching out to the law enforcement agency or municipal police department that made the arrest. Requesters should be prepared to provide specific details about the individual arrested, including their name, as well as pertinent information such as the charge, date, and location of the arrest.
Several police departments in the county also provide online systems, making it more convenient for individuals to access arrest records. Notable law enforcement agencies within Flathead County include:
The Montana Department of Justice is the central agency tasked with collecting and maintaining criminal history records, court documents, and arrest data from law enforcement agencies across the state. Individuals seeking arrest records for Flathead County may submit a request online via the Montana Criminal Records and Identification Services Portal or send the records request form by mail to:
Montana Department of Justice
Criminal Records & Identification Services
2225 11th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Each request must include a processing fee of $20. For additional assistance, you may contact the department at (406) 444-3625.
Arrest records are incorporated into Flathead County court records when an arrest case is filed and processed within the judicial system. The Flathead County Clerk of District Court is responsible for managing all court records within the county.
These records are accessible online through the Montana Judicial Branch's Public Records Portal. Alternatively, you may request records in person by visiting the Flathead County District Court Clerk's Office at:
Flathead County Justice Center
920 South Main
Suite 300
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5870
Conclusively, persons seeking faster and more convenient access to arrest records may consider using reliable third-party services like InfoTracer, which offer streamlined and efficient methods for obtaining such information.
Flathead County has an estimated arrest rate of 487 per 10,000 residents. The following table offers a detailed summary of the arrests documented across the county:
| Arrest Type | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Murder & Non-Negligent Homicide | 3 |
| Negligent Manslaughter | 1 |
| Rape | 34 |
| Robbery | 19 |
| Aggravated Assault | 336 |
| Shoplifting | 479 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 191 |
| Total Crimes Against Persons (Violent Crimes) | 389 |
| Total Crimes Against Property | 1,697 |
| Total Number of Arrests | 5,441 |
Source: Montana Board of Crime Control
It is situated in Flathead county, Montana with a total number of 116 employees - 4 female, 53 male officers and 59 civilians. Flathead County SO ORI (Originated Agency Identifier) number is MT0150000, it belongs to the Mountain division in the West region with a region code of Region IV.
| Department | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Falls Police Department | 130 6th St W A | 406-892-3234 |
| Kalispell Police Department | 12 1st Avenue East | 406-758-7780 |
| Whitefish Police Department | 275 Flathead Ave | 406-863-2420 |