The Polson Police Department has released a detailed overview of its activity statistics for 2023
through 2025, revealing several significant trends in calls for service, traffic enforcement, and
criminal investigations. The report reflects both changing patterns within the community and
adjustments in departmental operations. Our goal in sharing this information is to keep our
community informed, maintain transparency, and highlight the factors influencing public safety
in Polson.
The City of Polson covers slightly over four square miles, with a residential population just shy
of 6,000. However, during the summer tourist season, that number increases to approximately
14,000 accounting for seasonal residents and through traffic.
Overall Activity Trends Calls for service have steadily decreased from 8,691 in 2023 to 7,589
in 2024, with an additional 5% reduction recorded in 2025 with 7,217. This shift may reflect
changes in public reporting habits, improved access to non-police services, and evolving dispatch
triage.
DUI Arrests increased in 2024 but declined by 26% in 2025, suggesting a shift in traffic
enforcement emphasis and changing public behavior. This is partly attributed to the deployment
of the speed radar trailer and messaging sign.
PFMA Arrests rose in 2024 but fell 17% in 2025, potentially influenced by improved
prevention efforts and changes in prosecution strategy.
Drug Cases remained stable between 2023–2024 but dropped sharply (–66%) in 2025, strongly
correlated with staffing shortages and the ability to have a dedicated drug detective.
Traffic Enforcement Declined Across the Board. Traffic stops decreased from 1,812 in 2023
to 1,606 in 2024, then fell 30% in 2025. Citations and warnings followed the same trend. This
suggests reduced proactive patrol activity, potentially due to staffing limitations, the deployment
of radar and messaging trailers, and strategic shifts in enforcement focus.
Vehicle Crashes Show Normal Variation. Crashes increased slightly in 2024 and decreased in
2025 (–5%). These changes align with typical fluctuations influenced by weather, road
conditions, and traffic volume. They also correlate with our radar trailer and messaging sign
strategy.
Homicides Remain Rare. Homicides increased from one case in 2023 to two in 2024 and
remained at two in 2025. All were separate incidents. In four of the five cases, the suspect and
victim knew each other; the only case without a prior relationship was a vehicular homicide.
Four of the five homicides involved interpersonal violence, and four of the five had a history of
substance use; highlighting the continued influence of relationship dynamics and substance use
on serious violent crime.
Suicides Increased in 2024 but Have Since Stabilized. After no suicides in 2023, cases rose to
four in 2024 and dropped to 3 in 2025. The increase from zero to four may reflect a statistical
fluctuation rather than a sustained long-term trend. Contributing factors include residual post-
pandemic mental-health impacts and economic stressors in recent years, both of which are
associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and substance use; these are compounded
by the fact that local, state, and federal resources are sparse.
Context Behind the Numbers. Several broader community factors continue to shape Polson’s
crime statistics and enforcement patterns:
Jail Overcrowding and Repeat Offenders
Lake County continues to face chronic jail overcrowding, limiting the ability to hold offenders or
ensure access to long-term treatment or diversion programs. Individuals with repeat-offense
histories are often released quickly, generating multiple calls for service and contributing to
elevated crime totals and officer workload. This cycle remains the most significant factor in
Polson’s crime trends. The majority Polson’s crimes are committed by local repeat offenders.
Socioeconomic Factors
Polson’s economy relies heavily on tourism, service-industry work, tribal and local government
employment, and seasonal labor. High mobility in and out of the community, paired with
regional housing pressures, affects community stability and influences crime patterns;
particularly in property-related offenses.
Substance Abuse
Like many rural Montana communities, Polson faces persistent challenges related to substance
abuse, including alcohol-related incidents, methamphetamine activity, and statewide fentanyl
trends. With a small police department of 15 officers serving a growing community, limited
resources constrain proactive drug enforcement and contribute to associated calls for service.
Seasonal Fluctuations
Crime patterns often shift with warmer weather and increased outdoor activity. Polson typically
sees rises in crimes against persons, disorderly conduct, DUI incidents, and traffic crashes during
the summer tourism season. These patterns correlate closely with population surges and
heightened recreational activity.
Tourism
Polson’s position on the southern shore of Flathead Lake brings a substantial seasonal influx of
visitors, nearly doubling the population during peak summer months. This temporary increase
generates identifiable “hot spots” downtown, on the waterfront, and at recreation areas. These
seasonal dynamics influence crime totals in ways that do not always reflect the city’s permanent
population.
Despite these challenges, Polson often maintains clearance rates comparable to or higher than
many agencies. Familiarity within the community, a smaller geographic area, and strong
relationships between officers, partner criminal justice agencies and residents support effective
case resolution and are important considerations when evaluating local crime trends.
Statement from the Chief of Police “These statistics give us an important look at how Polson is
changing and how our department must adapt,” said Chief Simpson. “Your officers continue to
work with dedication and professionalism, even as calls for service and enforcement trends shift.
We will continue to use our resources wisely, support our staff, and strengthen community
partnerships to ensure Polson remains a safe place to live, work, learn and play.”
Looking Ahead the Polson Police Department will continue analyzing year-to-year data to
adjust staffing, enforcement strategies, and outreach initiatives. Department leadership remains
committed to continuous improvement and to maintaining a safe and thriving community for
residents and visitors alike.