The Billings City Council is laying out its legislative priorities for 2021, and one of their focuses is on enhancing public safety and security.

“We’ve seen significant increases in crime over the past decade and unfortunately this past year is no exception,” said City Manager, Chris Kukulski.  “We’re also seeing that our jail is … I think the number is something north of 125 offenders who have been fully adjudicated from the court system.  They’re sitting in our jail rather than being in state custody, and that’s making it difficult for us as we try to enforce laws in Billings.”

Kukulski also said there are a disproportionate number of parolees that are released into Billings compared to other Montana cities.