Billings City Council Special Work Session - June 5, 2026

The Billings City Council held a special work session on June 5, 2026, focusing primarily on the city's domestic violence response system. The meeting included detailed discussions on the use of the Arizona intimate partner risk assessment tool (appraise), victim referral processes to the YWCA and Family Justice Center, and the coordination between law enforcement, prosecutors, and community service providers. Council members inquired about victim participation rates, discoverability of assessment forms, officer training, and the capacity of shelters and support services. The police department highlighted ongoing training efforts and the development of a high-risk response protocol involving SWAT for dangerous offenders. The city attorney's office described their victim contact and case management procedures, while the YWCA detailed shelter availability, case management, and community partnerships. Several council members expressed interest in receiving additional data on referral effectiveness, call volumes, and service utilization. The meeting concluded with plans to schedule a follow-up session to continue legislative discussions on domestic violence statutes and city response strategies.