About Roosevelt County
Roosevelt County is located in northeastern Montana, bordered by North Dakota to the east and including approximately 2,370 square miles of rolling prairie scene. Roosevelt County Seat is Wolf Point, situated along the Missouri River and serving as the primary population and administrative center. Roosevelt County was established in 1919, carved from Sheridan County, and named after President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt County population was approximately 10,425 according to recent census estimates, with Wolf Point accounting for roughly 2,600 residents.
Roosevelt County lies entirely within the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, home to the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, making it unique in Montana for its significant Native American population and cultural heritage. The Missouri River flows through the southern portion of Roosevelt County, with Fort Peck Lake providing recreational opportunities. Major landmarks include the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede grounds, one of Montana's oldest rodeos dating to 1914.
Roosevelt County Courthouse at 400 2nd Avenue South in Wolf Point houses the County Clerk and Recorder, Assessor, Treasurer, and other administrative offices. Roosevelt County economy historically centers on agriculture, particularly dryland wheat farming and cattle ranching, supplemented by oil and gas development and tribal government services. U.S.
Highway 2 is the primary transportation corridor through Wolf Point, connecting Roosevelt County to regional commerce. Roosevelt County experiences a semi-arid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers typical of the northern Great Plains.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Roosevelt County. It oversees Roosevelt County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is focused on public safety through regular patrols and community engagement.
Police Departments
In addition to Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Roosevelt County. The Wolf Point Police Department serves the city of Wolf Point, while the Poplar Police Department covers the city of Poplar. These departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on community policing and crime prevention. They coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and emergencies that require a broader law enforcement response.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 400 2nd Avenue South in Wolf Point, Montana 59201, provides primary law enforcement services for unincorporated areas of Roosevelt County. non-emergency matters. Roosevelt County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving short-term sentences.
- Processing times vary but typically require 3-5 business days.
- Citizens should submit requests in writing specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest to help with record retrieval.
Inmate information and jail roster details can be obtained by contacting the detention facility directly at the Sheriff's Office number or visiting the office in person during business hours. Wolf Point Police Department provides municipal law enforcement within city limits, located at 218 3rd Avenue South, Wolf Point, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Given Roosevelt County's location entirely within the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, the Fort Peck Tribes Law and Justice Department maintains concurrent jurisdiction for offenses involving tribal members or occurring on trust lands, operating out of Poplar with phone. Montana public records law, specifically the Montana Constitution Article II, Section 9 and the Montana Code Annotated Title 2, Chapter 6 (Public Records and Meetings), guarantees citizen access to arrest records and booking information.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Montana and may be obtained through formal requests to the detaining agency, though some restrictions apply for juvenile records or ongoing investigations.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Roosevelt County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Roosevelt County are maintained by Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office. These records include detailed information about the arrest, charges, and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, often requiring a formal request under the Montana Public Records Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings related to the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
Roosevelt County Detention Center, located in Wolf Point, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals, and their information is recorded in the detention center's database. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees.
- The bond and bail process follows Montana state guidelines, allowing individuals to post bail for release pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Roosevelt County are taken and retained by Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and are used for identification and investigative purposes. Residents can search for mugshots through the sheriff's office, either by visiting in person or accessing online databases if available. 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.
Courts & Case Records
Roosevelt County's judicial system operates under Montana's unified court structure. Roosevelt County Court for Roosevelt County, part of Montana's 16th Judicial District, sits at Roosevelt County Courthouse, 400 2nd Avenue South, Wolf Point, MT 59201, with phone. District Court hears felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, divorce and custody cases, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts.
- Roosevelt County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and issues search warrants, operating from the courthouse with phone.
- Copy fees are typically $0.50 per page for standard documents, with certified copies costing an additional certification fee of approximately $5.00.
- The Clerk of District Court accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Montana Justice Courts serve as the initial point of contact for most citizens interacting with the judicial system. Court records are accessible under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-102 and § 2-6-1001 et seq, which establish the right to inspect and copy public judicial records with limited exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family law matters. The Montana Judicial Branch maintains an online case search system at https://publicaccess.mt.gov allowing searches by party name, case number, or attorney for cases statewide, though some older Roosevelt County records may require in-person research.
Protection orders, mental health commitments, and certain adoption records remain confidential under Montana law.
Property & Public Records
Roosevelt County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 400 2nd Avenue South, Wolf Point, MT 59201, phone, maintains property and land records for Roosevelt County. This office records and indexes deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (both tax and judgment), easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, UCC financing statements, and other instruments affecting real property title. Montana is a race-notice recording jurisdiction, meaning recorded documents provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
- The Clerk and Recorder's Office provides public access to these records during regular business hours, though online access may be limited compared to more populous Montana counties.
- Citizens can request specific documents by providing legal descriptions, grantor/grantee names, or document numbers.
- Copy fees typically run $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional certification fee.
- The Montana Cadastral Mapping Project provides statewide GIS data at http://svc.mt.gov/msl/mtcadastral, offering basic parcel information though not always real-time or full for transaction-level detail.
Vital Records
Vital records for Roosevelt County are managed through both county and state systems under Montana Code Annotated Title 50, Chapter 15. Birth and death certificates occurring in Roosevelt County are filed with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604 Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, while death certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $8 for additional copies. Processing typically requires 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Roosevelt County Clerk and Recorder at 400 2nd Avenue South, Wolf Point, may assist with certain vital records information and can provide guidance on the application process.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Roosevelt County Clerk and Recorder's Office with both parties present, requiring valid identification and payment of the license fee (approximately $53).
- Marriage certificates can be obtained from the Clerk and Recorder's Office for $10 per certified copy.
- Montana offers expedited vital records processing through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com for an additional fee, with delivery in 5-10 business days.
- Requestors must complete the appropriate application form, provide acceptable identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID), demonstrate eligibility, and include payment.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Roosevelt County are managed through multiple jurisdictions. Roosevelt County Clerk and Recorder at 400 2nd Avenue South, Wolf Point, MT 59201, phone, registers trade names, assumed business names (DBAs), and fictitious business name certificates as required by Montana Code Annotated § 30-13-201 et seq. These filings create public records searchable at Roosevelt County level.
- The online Business Entity Search is available at https://biz.sosmt.gov allowing free searches by business name, registered agent, or filing number.
- This database includes active and dissolved entities, annual report filing status, and registered agent information.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the Montana Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains the official registry. Professional licenses including those for contractors, healthcare providers, accountants, and other regulated professions are issued by respective Montana state licensing boards rather than county offices. Roosevelt County Planning and Zoning, reachable through Roosevelt County courthouse, administers building permits, land use permits, and zoning compliance for unincorporated areas.
The City of Wolf Point maintains separate business licensing and building permit requirements for businesses operating within municipal boundaries, administered through Wolf Point City Hall at 218 3rd Avenue South The Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, located at 218 3rd Avenue South, Suite 2, Wolf Point, MT 59201, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and community promotion, accessible at www.wolfpointchamber.com. Montana has no general state sales tax, simplifying business tax compliance compared to many states.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Roosevelt County are administered by Roosevelt County Clerk and Recorder, serving as Roosevelt County election administrator, located at 400 2nd Avenue South, Wolf Point, MT 59201. The office can be contacted through the office’s website. voter registration questions, polling place information, and absentee ballot requests. Voter registration in Montana requires completion of a voter registration application at least 30 days before an election, available online at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote through the Montana Secretary of State's online voter registration portal.
- Montana residents may register in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail, or at various state agencies.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place through the Montana My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo.
- Montana offers no-excuse absentee voting, allowing any registered voter to request a mail ballot.
Roosevelt County typically operates multiple polling locations on election day, with Wolf Point serving as the primary voting center and additional precincts in Poplar, Brockton, and Frazer. Montana election law (Title 13, Montana Code Annotated) provides extensive public access to election records including voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance disclosures through the Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filing documents, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue materials. Roosevelt County's 2024 general election turnout was approximately 62-67% of registered voters, reflecting moderate engagement typical of northeastern Montana counties with significant Native American populations where historical voting barriers have affected participation rates.
The next major election occurs November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Montana statewide offices including potentially the governor's race depending on the cycle, state legislative seats, and county offices. Absentee ballot applications are available through Roosevelt County Clerk and Recorder or downloadable from the Montana Secretary of State website, with completed applications due by noon the day before the election, though earlier submission is strongly recommended.
Montana law requires transparency in elections, with citizens entitled to observe ballot counting, request copies of election results by precinct, and inspect voter registration records under appropriate public records procedures outlined in MCA § 13-2-220.
Economy & Demographics
Roosevelt County's economy reflects its northeastern Montana location and significant Native American demographic composition. Agriculture remains foundational, with dryland wheat farming, barley production, and cattle ranching dominating rural land use across Roosevelt County's expansive prairie scene. Roosevelt County includes approximately 1.5 million acres, much of it dedicated to agricultural production despite challenging growing conditions including limited precipitation averaging 13-14 inches annually.
- Median household income in Roosevelt County approximates $44,000-$48,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting rural economic challenges and reservation poverty issues.
- Recent economic development efforts focus on renewable energy potential, telecommunications infrastructure improvement, and value-added agricultural processing.
The Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes constitute the largest governmental entity and employer, with tribal government operations, Fort Peck Community College, tribal health services, and various tribal enterprises providing substantial employment. Oil and gas development in the Williston Basin has provided periodic economic stimulus, though production in Roosevelt County is less intensive than in neighboring Richland and Roosevelt counties to the south. The Wolf Point area is the retail and service center, with grocery stores, medical facilities including the Trinity Hospital, banks, and government offices.
Tourism contributes modestly through Missouri River recreation, Fort Peck Lake access, and the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede, Montana's oldest rodeo attracting visitors each July. Unemployment rates in Roosevelt County historically run 2-3 percentage points above state averages, influenced by seasonal agricultural employment patterns and limited industrial diversification. Transportation infrastructure challenges, including distance from interstate highways and limited rail access, constrain certain economic development opportunities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Montana statewide portal) | Property: Limited: Online (county access varies, state cadastral available) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: Yes: Online (state voter portal, county contact) | Overall Score: 6/10, Roosevelt County provides access to most public records though digital systems lag behind urban Montana counties, requiring phone or in-person requests for many local records.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Roosevelt County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Roosevelt County, Montana.