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Sheriff reports steady call volume, staffing gaps and drug task‑force seizures in quarterly update
Summary
Sheriff Brian Haino told commissioners that the department is handling roughly 30,543 calls year‑to‑date, faces several upcoming retirements and five current vacancies, and that the narcotics task force continues to refer serious cases to federal prosecution; the sheriff described expanded recruiting efforts and training adjustments.
Sheriff Brian Haino (S7) delivered the department's quarterly report to the Flathead County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 9, providing call volumes, staffing status, training updates and task‑force activity.
Haino reported the department is handling about 30,543 calls so far this year (compared with roughly 39,922 for the entire prior year), averaging about 109 calls per day. He told commissioners the department has five current vacancies and several anticipated retirements; Haino described an aggressive recruiting approach that includes a continuous open posting and outreach to candidates in other states. "We have 5 that are vacant right now," he said.
The sheriff described training and certification logistics (post‑certification and academy scheduling), changes to the FTO program to accelerate onboarding for out‑of‑state hires, and use of K‑9 units to cover patrol shifts. On detention, Haino said vacancies remain but candidate pools exist and recent offer letters were issued. Commissioners discussed housing for recruits and possible use of county‑owned vacant houses; staff agreed to review availability.
On the narcotics task force, Haino reported multiple monthly seizures and that several task‑force cases have been referred for federal prosecution. He described drug trends—shifts among methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine—and noted it remains hard to predict local production vs. importation. Haino also recounted a recent high‑speed pursuit that ended in a crash and said supervisors appropriately weighed risk vs. value in suspending pursuit in parts of the incident.
The sheriff agreed to provide commissioners with monthly statistical reports electronically. The board thanked Haino for the update and adjourned.
