Small Montana Town Now Ranks as State’s Second Murder Capital

The stunning mountains, tranquil rivers, and expansive plains may be the first things that spring to mind when you think about Montana. The situation is considerably more dire for the people who live in Shelby, a little town of slightly over 3,200. Shelby, which was once regarded as a tight-knit, safe neighborhood, is currently battling a growing reputation as one of the state’s most violent areas.

Figures That Present a Somber Image

The 2023 Crime Report from the Montana Department of Justice states that Shelby’s crime rate has significantly increased over the state average. Over the past five years, the number of violent crimes, such as murder and serious assault, has increased. Shelby reported five murders in 2023 alone, which is a startling number for a community of its size.

With 178 occurrences recorded in the previous year, property crimes are still remarkably common. According to statistics from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), residents have a 1 in 18 probability of becoming victims of theft, vandalism, or burglary.

Why Is There a Surge?

Shelby’s concerning crime rates are caused by a number of causes. Many locals are having financial difficulties as a result of the local economy’s slump, which is partially caused by the demise of important industries. The fact that almost sixteen percent of people live below the poverty line fosters an atmosphere that is conducive to crime.

Shelby is also dealing with an expanding drug problem. Methamphetamine trafficking has increased dramatically throughout Montana, according to law enforcement officials, with smaller towns like Shelby being particularly hard hit. In a recent interview with The Great Falls Tribune, Toole County Sheriff Mike Hendricks clarified:

In little villages like ours, drugs are flooding the streets, causing desperation and escalating violence. The crime issue in Shelby is a sign of a far more serious illness.

The Affected Individuals

The numbers are more than simply statistics to the residents of Shelby; they represent a brutal reality that influences their day-to-day existence.

“I worry for my students every day,” said Shelby High School teacher Emily Carter. Some of them reside in households that have been destroyed by violence or addiction. Seeing such young children pushed to mature too quickly is distressing.

The frustration was expressed by James Donovan, a small business owner and lifelong Shelby resident: “I’ve lived here my whole life, but I don’t recognize this town anymore.” I used to feel comfortable making the nighttime trek home. I carry pepper spray now.

Twelve-year Shelby Police Department veteran Detective Lisa Morales recognized the difficulties, saying, “We’re doing everything we can with limited resources.” The workload is excessive, and our staff is small. To change this, we require additional assistance from the community and the state.

A Community Retaliating

Shelby refuses to give up in spite of the difficulties. To address the underlying causes of crime and bring safety back to their area, local authorities and citizens are working together.

Initiatives for Economic Development and Job Training: The recently introduced “Shelby Works” program is to offer job placement and training assistance to those who are having difficulty locating steady employment.
Substance Abuse Outreach: To make addiction rehabilitation programs more accessible, Hope Horizon, a nonprofit organization, is collaborating with nearby businesses and churches. Additionally, they often hold community forums to inform locals on the risks associated with drug usage.
Enhanced Law Enforcement Presence: Shelby was awarded a $250,000 federal grant at the end of 2023 to hire more police officers and fund community policing initiatives. Officers have been able to concentrate on preventative actions, such holding safety training and developing closer relationships with locals, thanks to the award.

A Prolonged Journey Ahead

Although these initiatives give residents hope, they are aware that change will take time. Shelby’s difficulties are representative of the larger issues that many small towns nationwide face; these are areas where drug abuse and economic hardship coexist, leaving people at risk.

The residents of Shelby are still committed to taking back their town for the time being. “This is home,” said Martha Grant, one of the residents. We’re not going to give up. I think we can turn things around, but it will require us all to work together.