Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office Faces Rising Demands As Community Grows
Author: Nick Rauser, Broadwater County Sheriff
Nick Rauser
Broadwater County Sheriff
The Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office is busier than ever, responding to a rising number of calls and covering a growing list of responsibilities across the county’s rural expanse.
Sheriff’s deputies are consistently handling everything from traffic stops to serious criminal investigations, often covering long distances in a county that spans more than 1,200 square miles. According to recent department figures, call volumes have increased steadily over the past two years, putting added pressure on a small team already working around the clock.
In 2024 alone, the Sheriff’s Office responded to over 17,000 calls for service and opened 613 criminal cases, a number that reflects both the growing population and the increasing demands on local law enforcement. So far in 2025, the department is on track to match or outpace those numbers, continuing a trend that shows no sign of slowing down.
“We’re definitely seeing an uptick in activity,” said Sheriff Nick Rauser. “We’ve got a dedicated crew, but we’re stretched thin. It’s not uncommon for one deputy to cover the entire county during a shift.”
The reasons for the surge in workload are complex. Broadwater County, like much of Montana, has experienced large population growth, especially from people moving in from out of state. With that growth has come more DUIs, thefts, domestic violence calls, coroner calls — and just more of everything.
But it’s not just more people that’s keeping the department busy. Sheriff’s Office employees provide backup for neighboring counties, assist in wildland fire evacuations, and are often the first on scene in medical emergencies in remote areas. On top of that, they manage the county jail, serve civil papers, transport inmates, handle dispatch duties, and coordinate search and rescue operations.
“Our employees are passionate about serving this community,” Sheriff Nick Rauser said. “They live here. They are raising their families here. They care deeply about keeping Broadwater County safe.”
The Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to consider supporting a continuation of the public safety mill levy that will be on the ballot May 6th. Ballots have been mailed out and should be in your possession. If approved, the levy would provide essential funding to continue providing the services that have steadily built up over the last five years — from increased patrol coverage to improved emergency response. Until then, the Sheriff’s Office will continue to operate at full speed.
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PhotoCredit: Broadwater County Sheriff's Office
Image 1 Caption: Sheriff Nick Rauser
