After extensive research and much anticipation, Lewis and Clark County now has the Department of Criminal Justice Services (CJS). This is a major forward evolution for the County and a great success for all those who have put tremendous effort and advocacy into it's creation such as the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the Citizens Advisory Council, and the Mental Health Local Advisory Council. 

CJS had a successful start in December 2017 with the hiring of the Department Director, Kellie McBride, formerly the Executive Director of YWCA Helena. The Department has truly come alive with the addition of two Pretrial Officers and two Department Assistants. This successful start up has been made possible with funding in part by the Montana Healthcare Foundation and will continue for at least another 15 years with the November 2017 Jail Levy, approved overwhelmingly by Lewis and Clark County constituents.

Through a holistic and collaborative approach, this Department aims to continually improve our county’s criminal justice system by providing effective community alternatives, solutions, and services to increase community safety, reduce crime, and assist offenders in finding success.

The Criminal Justice Services Department works collaboratively with:

Lewis and Clark County District Court
Lewis and Clark County Justice Court
Helena Municipal Court
State of Montana City Court, East Helena Municipality
Helena Police Department
Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office
Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s Office
Lewis and Clark County Youth Probation Office
Department of Corrections Adult Probation and Parole Bureau
Office of the Public Defender, Region IV

To promote the safety of the citizens of Lewis and Clark County, the efficient and just treatment of defendants and offenders, the protection and healing of victims, and to work toward prevention of crime and the reduction of recidivism.