Broadwater County

Broadwater County is located in southwestern Montana, established in 1897 and named after Colonel Charles A. Broadwater, a prominent Montana businessman and philanthropist. Broadwater County Seat is Townsend, situated along the Missouri River approximately 30 miles southeast of Helena. Broadwater County includes approximately 1,239 square miles and maintains a population of around 6,774 residents according to recent census estimates.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Broadwater County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Broadwater County, including patrolling unincorporated areas, managing Broadwater County jail, and processing arrests. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and partnerships with local organizations to enhance public safety and awareness. The office is committed to transparency and accountability, so that residents have access to necessary information and resources.

Police Departments

Law enforcement in Broadwater County is primarily managed by Broadwater County Sheriff's Office, which serves the entire county, including unincorporated areas. The Townsend Police Department operates within the city limits of Townsend, providing municipal law enforcement services. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage and response to incidents throughout Broadwater County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Broadwater County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 515 Broadway Street in Townsend, Montana 59644, is the primary law enforcement agency for Broadwater County. The agency operates Broadwater County Detention Center, which houses inmates arrested within Broadwater County.

• § 2-6-101 et seq.), citizens have the right to request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public records in Montana and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though some restrictions may apply for ongoing investigations or juvenile cases.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Broadwater County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Montana Department of Justice also helps with compiling and disseminating criminal information statewide, offering resources for more extensive background checks.

• Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or use state resources for broader searches, following state and federal regulations.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Broadwater County are maintained by Broadwater County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual involved. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Montana Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain information such as the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.

Jail & Inmate Records

Broadwater County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested or are serving short-term sentences. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.

• The bond and bail process follows Montana state laws, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial upon payment of a set amount.
• To find someone recently arrested, individuals can contact the detention center directly or use available online resources.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

In Broadwater County, mugshots are taken and retained by Broadwater County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed by the public through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. To search for mugshots, individuals can visit the Sheriff's Office website or use third-party services that compile public records. Montana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement or dismissal of charges.

Broadwater County is served by the Montana Fourth Judicial District Court, with Broadwater County Courthouse located at 515 Broadway Street, Townsend, MT 59644. Broadwater County Court can be reached at and handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts.

• Broadwater County also maintains a Justice Court, which has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
• The Clerk of District Court charges fees for certified copies of court documents, typically $2.00 per page for certification plus copying costs.
• Case search services may incur research fees when extensive staff time is required.

Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 515 Broadway Street, Townsend, MT 59644, maintains the official repository for land and property records in Broadwater County. The office can be reached at and preserves documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions of mortgages, liens (mechanics liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, rights of way, subdivision plats, certificates of survey, and mineral rights documents.

• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Clerk and Recorder for a statutory fee of $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus certification fees.

Vital records for Broadwater County, Montana are maintained at both Broadwater County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Broadwater County can be requested through Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 515 Broadway Street, Townsend, MT 59644 However, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics in Helena is the central repository for all Montana vital records and may be the more efficient option for obtaining certified copies.

• The fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $12.00, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing less.
• Death certificates have fewer restrictions and are generally available to any applicant with a direct and tangible interest; the fee structure mirrors that of birth certificates.
• Processing time varies but typically ranges from one to two weeks for mail requests, with expedited service available for additional fees.
• Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court rather than vital records, and must be requested through the court system.

Business and licensing records in Broadwater County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 515 Broadway Street, Townsend, MT 59644 (phone: 406-266-9272) handles filings for assumed business names (DBAs or "doing business as" registrations) and maintains these records as part of Broadwater County's official filing system.

• This database includes corporation names, registered agent information, business addresses, and entity status (active, dissolved, revoked).
• Broadwater County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government agency, provides resources for businesses and maintains business directories; information can be found through local Townsend business networks.

Elections in Broadwater County are administered by Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder, who is the official Election Administrator for Broadwater County. The elections office is located at 515 Broadway Street, Townsend, MT 59644, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in Montana is available to U.S. Citizens who are at least 18 years old by election day and have resided in Montana for at least 30 days prior to the election.

• Montana offers online voter registration through the Montana Secretary of State's website at sosmt.gov/elections, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information.
• Montana conducts elections with strong transparency, and citizens may request to observe election processes, review precinct results, and access most election related records under Mont.

Broadwater County's economy is anchored by agriculture, tourism, recreation, and small business enterprises, reflecting the broader economic patterns of rural southwestern Montana. Ranching and agricultural production remain foundational to Broadwater County economy, with cattle ranching, hay production, and some grain farming comprising significant portions of land use and employment. Broadwater County's assessed agricultural land includes tens of thousands of acres devoted to livestock grazing and crop production.

• Broadwater County has seen modest residential growth as some Helena-area workers choose Broadwater County for its lower housing costs and quality of life while commuting to the capital city.

Court Records: Yes: Online (Montana Courts) | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Preferred | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Good Access | Overall Score: 6.5/10, Broadwater County provides constitutional access to public records with in-person service emphasized; online access improving but limited compared to larger Montana counties.

Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Broadwater County, Montana.