GREAT FALLS, Mont. – As New Year’s Eve is upon us, the Great Falls Police Department (GFPD) is gearing up for one of its busiest nights of the year. Officers are increasing patrols to ensure community safety during the celebrations.
Last New Year’s Eve, GFPD responded to 202 calls for service, more than double the average for a typical night. This included 58 traffic stops, 17 disturbances, three disorderly conduct calls, and 12 reports of suspicious activity. The downtown area is expected to be particularly active, especially as bars close around 1:00/2:00 a.m.
“We get lots of calls for RAD, which is reports of a drunk driver, disturbances, fireworks, noise complaints, and unfortunately, accidents involving drunk drivers. That’s most of New Year’s Eve,” said Alyssa Olson, a GFPD officer.
To help revelers get home safely, the Cascade County Tavern Association is offering free rides home for those who have had too much to drink. Patrons can ask their bartender for assistance.
“If you’re going out on New Year’s Eve, just make sure you have a plan. Utilize taxi cabs, Ubers, anything to celebrate safely and avoid a night in jail,” advised Olson.
The Great Falls 911 Center fielded over 400 calls last New Year’s Eve, involving multiple agencies often being assigned to the same calls. The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office responded to 136 calls, while Great Falls Fire Rescue handled 38 calls and Great Falls Emergency Services handled 40 calls.
“We patrol downtown about 1 a.m. when the bars close. Just our presence can help prevent disturbances or fights before they happen,” stated Olson.
GFPD also reminds residents that safety involves more than just avoiding DUIs. Noise complaints, fireworks, and disturbances contribute to the workload for first responders during holidays.
Per city ordinance, fireworks be shot off on December 31, from 10:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. January 1.
“We want you to have fun celebrating, but please make good decisions. Plan ahead, use resources like Ubers or taxis, and avoid a night in jail,” emphasized Olson.
With GFPD officers out in full force this New Year’s Eve, the community is encouraged to make plans, look out for each other, and start 2025 safely.
