Supporters disappointed in Law and Justice outcome

Friends of Law and Justice will focus on solutions for public safety and law enforcement. Thanks to the diverse group of endorsers for your support.

Advocates for the Law and Justice Bond on Wednesday thanked their diverse group of local supporters and vowed to focus on solutions to address the many shortfalls present in the existing law and justice center. The need for a new facility continues and it is essential we address it.  We cannot continue to delay this important investment in our public safety.

“Community members from all walks of life and numerous business and civic groups helped voice the need for a new law and justice center, and we thank them for their tremendous work in moving the project forward,” said Dave Weaver, Chairman of Friends of Law and Justice.

“Despite this setback, the need remains, and we are committed to finding solutions that protect public safety and help our law enforcement, judicial officers and victim services advocates do the best job possible,” Weaver added.
Local sheriff and courts offices have operated in the current law and justice center, located in an outdated, unsafe, 55-year-old former high school building, since 1979.

The current facility, at 615 S. 16th Ave., has numerous deficiencies. It lacks safe meeting spaces for victims seeking help from advocates, along with secure holding areas for accused individuals facing trial. Storage space for vital evidence and court records is also a serious problem. There are no fire sprinklers and only limited access for disabled individuals. The center cannot be cost effectively renovated and does not meet modern building codes for safety.

“Our city and county officials and staff put together a forward-thinking proposal for a law and justice center that would keep our community safe now and into the future, as well as save millions of dollars due to cost-savings and efficiencies,” Robert Lee, Friends of Law and Justice said.

“This is a complex project and it was a complex vote. We must continue to emphasize the need of building a safe, up-to-date and functional law and justice facility. Unfortunately, such a project is likely to become more—not less—expensive for voters” Lee added.

 “Am I disappointed? Yes, but we will continue to educate our community on why it is essential to replace the old law and justice center with a safe place for people to conduct their business,” Brian Gootkin, Gallatin County Sheriff said. “We will move forward and work with our community members to find a solution to this pressing problem. We cannot wait any longer.”

“We need to stay focused. Our law enforcement officers don’t have the space and technology needed and our county continues to grow rapidly. Those are serious challenges, we’ll need to address them, regardless of this current vote,” Steve Crawford, Chief of Bozeman Police said.

The Law and Justice Bond was endorsed by over 400 community members and by a wide variety of businesses and organizations, including:
    •    Belgrade City Council.
    •    Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce.
    •    Bozeman League of Women Voters.
    •    Gallatin Ahead.
    •    Gallatin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/Guardian ad Litem.
    •    Gallatin County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
    •    Gallatin County Democrat Central Committee.
    •    Gallatin Valley DUI Task Force.
    •    MSU Student Democrats.
    •    West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce.
    •    Southwest Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA).
    •    Three Forks City Council.

Paid for Friends of Law and Justice,
Jim Drummond, treasurer.
2125 Baxter Dr.
Bozeman, MT 59718