Sheriff candidate Mindy Kahle highlights detention-center staffing and retention; council hears crime-report concerns

Mindy Kahle, a candidate for Cascade County Sheriff, told the Great Falls Neighborhood Council District 6 on May 6 that she brings 30 years of law-enforcement experience across roles including deputy sheriff, the district attorney’s office, sex-crimes investigations, family-protection work, booking, K-9 handling and hostage negotiation.

Kahle said one of her primary concerns is the detention center and retention of staff. "One of her main concerns is the detention center and retention of staff," she said, and added she would emphasize recruiting local candidates and restructuring programs to integrate volunteers for training and instruction.

Council member James Rickley reviewed the latest crime report and said the council and community are seeing thefts of firearms at local retail locations such as the mall and Walmart. He characterized the county's current data-delivery practice as infrequent and difficult to use for timely reporting, saying county crime numbers are often provided in six-month 'dumps,' which complicates efforts to track trends.

No formal action on law-enforcement policy or funding was recorded at the meeting; candidates provided informational remarks and council members discussed concerns about local crime and data availability.