GREAT FALLS, Mont. – In the past two weeks, three inmates have died at the Cascade County Detention Center, according to Sheriff Jesse Slaughter. Two deaths were due to suicide, and one was from a drug overdose.

“This is very troubling to me, and I know it’s troubling to our community, too,” Slaughter said in a Facebook live video.

Slaughter emphasized the mental health challenges within the jail, stating that it is not equipped to manage such issues. Previously, inmates with mental health needs were sent to the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs, which lost its federal certification in 2022, causing long waitlists and quick returns to the community.

To address these challenges, the detention center has implemented several measures, including an on-site mental health provider, a designated pod for inmates with mental health issues, and a social worker.

The jail is also seeking a $3 million mental health crisis diversion grant to enhance resources and rebuild the mobile response unit. Sheriff Slaughter explained, “The idea behind that program is that we’re going to do a lot more for our community, especially our community that are really struggling, and oftentimes because of their struggle, end up in our jail. We all know that’s not the right place for them.”

He also highlighted the need for a 72-hour holding facility to provide treatment outside of jail, which the grant would help fund.

Discussing the issue of drugs in the jail, Slaughter noted, “There are people purposely and intentionally muling drugs into jails, not just in our jail, but all across the state and all across the country.”

The Cascade County facility is working to reduce its inmate population to maintain a manageable environment, despite the potential decrease in revenue.

Investigations into the deaths are ongoing.

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