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Police report flags nitrous oxide and kratom availability; department logged increased calls
Summary
Police reported 421 calls in October, completion of field training and firearms courses, and raised public‑safety concerns about non‑food‑grade nitrous oxide sales and kratom availability, saying inhalant use can be fatal and promising to research other jurisdictions' responses.
The police department reported a busy October and highlighted two public‑health/safety concerns for the community.
The department recorded 421 calls for service in October, including assaults, disturbances, thefts and traffic stops, and said all officers completed firearms training and field training. The department announced an upcoming Stop the Bleed training led by Dr. Erkenbrack.
Chief remarks focused on local retail sales of non‑food‑grade nitrous oxide canisters and kratom. The chief said that while sale of nitrous oxide is legal and has legitimate culinary uses, what is being sold locally is ‘‘not food grade’’ and is being marketed for inhalation; he warned "it can be fatal," citing documented incidents including a local fatality involving inhalant use. The chief said he will research responses from other Montana cities and report back on possible local actions.
Councilors did not take regulatory action at the meeting; the department will return with findings and potential recommendations for local policy or education efforts.
