Police and library staff say downtown officer will help enforce trespass notices at Great Falls Public Library

The Great Falls Public Library Board heard from Sergeant Jacob Smith of the Great Falls Police Department that the department has assigned a downtown officer, Officer Minnan, to address disruptive behavior near and inside the library and to assist with serving trespass notices when needed. "Once a patron has been informed they are violating library rules, and refuses to comply, police can respond and take appropriate enforcement action," Sergeant Smith said.

Library staff described growing comfort with coordinated enforcement. "Staff hesitancy has largely been related to uncertainty about receiving support when enforcing library rules," Director Amy Dissmeyer said, noting that designated staff now have the downtown officer's contact information. Sara Linder-Parkinson, who supervises safety specialists, said the recent collaboration "has been positive and productive" and staff are focusing on encouraging positive behavior while escalating to safety staff or police as appropriate. The Board and staff emphasized that the goal is not more arrests but consistent enforcement to improve the environment for patrons and employees.

Trustees asked whether police service for trespass notices would create additional costs; Sergeant Smith said no extra charge was anticipated when notices are served on behalf of the City Attorney's Office. The Board noted that some enforcement outcomes could include court-ordered restrictions that bar individuals from returning to the library.