Reporting Stalking to Montana Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Montana.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Montana resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: Montana's Order of Protection has no relationship requirement for victims of stalking — a stranger qualifies just as a partner would.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Montana Highway Patrol (find your local district)
Via mhp.mt.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
Montana VINE — Victim Notification Network
Via dojmt.gov
Free notification if a stalker is released from jail or prison.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
Montana — Statewide Agencies
Montana Dept. of Justice — Office of Victim Services
406-444-3653
Toll-free 1-800-498-6455 · Crime Victim Compensation, Address Confidentiality Program, and the Montana Hope Card.
dojmt.gov ↗Montana Courts — Orders of Protection
Via courts.mt.gov
Example forms and instructions, including for self-represented petitioners.
courts.mt.gov ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of Montana.
Justice, Municipal, City, or District Court (your county)
Find yours via courts.mt.gov
File an Order of Protection — there is no relationship requirement for victims of stalking.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Orders of Protection in Montana
What it is: a civil court order that prohibits the stalker from any further contact with you — no relationship requirement for stalking, sexual assault, or incest victims.
Two stages: a Temporary Order of Protection gives immediate protection; a Final Order can follow after a hearing.
Montana Hope Card: a wallet-sized card confirming your order's terms, available through the Dept. of Justice.
Montana Courts
Example Temporary Order of Protection forms for self-represented petitioners.
courts.mt.gov ↗Where to file
Justice, Municipal, City, or District Court — many Orders of Protection are filed in Justice Court.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to the Office of Victim Services.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to your county's Justice, Municipal, City, or District Court and ask for an Order of Protection petition.
- 2Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 3File the petition with the court.
- 4A judge can issue a Temporary Order of Protection the same day, often without the other party present.
- 5The order is served on the other party by law enforcement — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Montana Child Abuse Hotline
1-866-820-5437
TTY: dial 711, then 1-866-820-5437 · 24/7, statewide.
Montana Elder & Disabled Adult Abuse Information Line
1-800-277-9300
For abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Montana Highway Patrol (find your local district) | Via mhp.mt.gov | Emergency |
| Montana VINE — Victim Notification Network | Via dojmt.gov | Emergency |
| Montana Dept. of Justice — Office of Victim Services | 406-444-3653 | Statewide |
| Montana Courts — Orders of Protection | Via courts.mt.gov | Statewide |
| Montana Child Abuse Hotline | 1-866-820-5437 | Specialized |
| Montana Elder & Disabled Adult Abuse Information Line | 1-800-277-9300 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Montana
How do I report stalking in Montana?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Montana?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Montana?
What it is: a civil court order that prohibits the stalker from any further contact with you — no relationship requirement for stalking, sexual assault, or incest victims. Two stages: a Temporary Order of Protection gives immediate protection; a Final Order can follow after a hearing. Montana Hope Card: a wallet-sized card confirming your order's terms, available through the Dept. of Justice.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Montana?
Filing fees vary by court in Montana, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Montana?
Yes — Montana has a crime victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. See the statewide agencies section of this guide for the contact.
What counts as stalking under Montana law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Montana, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Montana if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Montana?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Montana?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Montana reporting guide?
You can download the free Montana reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Montana-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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