Report Hate Crimes in Billings - Human Rights Commission

Civil Rights and Equity Montana 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Montana

In Billings, Montana, residents who experience or witness hate crimes or bias-motivated incidents should report both to law enforcement and to the city human rights body. This page explains the difference between criminal reports to the Billings Police Department and civil discrimination or bias complaints that can be filed with the Human Rights Commission, outlines typical procedures, and lists practical steps to preserve evidence, make formal complaints, and seek review or appeal.

Penalties & Enforcement

Hate crimes that meet Montana criminal-law elements are prosecuted by law enforcement and county or state prosecutors; penalties for criminal convictions follow Montana statutes and sentencing rules. Civil complaints handled by a municipal Human Rights Commission result in administrative remedies or referral rather than criminal penalties. Specific fine amounts, escalation schedules, or statutory section references for municipal enforcement are not specified on the cited page.

Criminal prosecution and civil complaint tracks are separate and may proceed at the same time.
  • Enforcer: Billings Police Department for criminal matters; Human Rights Commission or equivalent city board for civil discrimination complaints.
  • Court actions: Criminal referrals go to the county/state prosecutor; civil findings may result in city orders or referral to other agencies.
  • Fines: monetary penalties for criminal convictions set by state law; municipal fine amounts for commission actions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspection and investigation: investigations are handled by the police detective units for crimes and by the commission or city staff for administrative complaints.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes vary by procedure—criminal defendants may appeal convictions through the courts; administrative decisions typically have review or appeal periods, but exact time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

To report a criminal hate incident, call local police or use their nonemergency reporting methods. To file a civil bias or discrimination complaint with the Human Rights Commission, check the commission's complaint form or submit a written statement to the commission office; an official complaint form or fee schedule is not specified on the cited page.

How to Report and What to Expect

  • Emergency/crime in progress: call 911 immediately and give succinct facts about the incident.
  • Preserve evidence: save messages, photos, timestamps, witness names, and physical evidence where safe.
  • File a police report: provide facts, identity of suspects if known, and any supporting evidence.
  • File a civil complaint: submit to the Human Rights Commission or the city office designated to receive discrimination/bias complaints.
Make both a police report and a commission complaint if you want criminal charges and a civil review.

Common Violations

  • Assault or threats motivated by bias.
  • Hate-motivated vandalism or property damage.
  • Discriminatory denial of services or housing reported to the commission.

FAQ

Who should I call first after a hate crime?
Call 911 for emergencies; otherwise contact the Billings Police Department nonemergency line to file a report.
Can I file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission instead of calling police?
You can file a civil complaint with the commission for discrimination or bias incidents, but criminal acts should also be reported to police.
Is there a fee to file a complaint with the commission?
No fee is specified on the city page for filing a civil complaint.

How-To

  1. Document the incident: record date, time, location, persons involved, and collect photos or messages.
  2. Report to law enforcement: call 911 for emergencies or the police nonemergency number to make a criminal report.
  3. File a civil complaint: submit a written complaint to the Human Rights Commission or the city office responsible for discrimination complaints.
  4. Follow up: request copies of reports, ask about investigation timelines, and learn appeal or review rights.

Key Takeaways

  • Report criminal acts to the Billings Police Department immediately.
  • File a separate civil complaint with the Human Rights Commission for discrimination or bias incidents.

Help and Support / Resources

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