Plains Police Department, Montana

03/18/2026

It has been brought to our attention that an article was written today, which some believe to be accurate information regarding the recent speed limit signs placement and the reasons for this change.

We want to point out that there is no “joint traffic enforcement initiative between the Plains Police Department and the Montana Highway Patrol” that is “currently underway along HWY 200.” Also, there is no “collaborative effort” that is focusing on the “eastern entrance to Plains.”

The change in location of these speed limit signs (approximately 500 feet difference) by the Montana Department of Transportation, at the Town of Plains request, was done in an effort to slow vehicles as they come into town and when they are leaving town due to the traffic (foot traffic and vehicle traffic) around Em’s Café, the Dew Duck Inn, and the Town Pump.

The article did get one point correct; we are concerned about the “safety of pedestrians,” as well as motor vehicle crashes and vehicles travelling at high rates of speed through town, and hope that the lower speed further east will assist with that concern.

To be clear, this change in speed limit sign placement was not done to “increase revenue earnings by the Plains Police Department” as the article states.

The public should be aware that this article was not written by an employee of the Town of Plains, nor was anyone employed by the Town of Plains interviewed regarding this article.

Please remember that just because you read it on the internet, it does not make it true and accurate. As we support free speech, keep in mind that recent posts (fake news) are made with the intent to stir the pot and create confusion within the community.

Thank you,
Chief Brian E. Josephson
Plains Police Department

03/11/2026

With this storm warning the Sanders County Sheriff's Office would like to remind everyone to give yourself extra time if you need to travel and please drive safely.

01/19/2026

12/31/2025

2025 update from the Plains Police Department

*In December 2025, Officer Rob Geenen was promoted to Sgt. Rob Geenen. The decision to promote Sgt. Geenen was based on numerous things, including his training and experience. Sgt. Geenen has shown leadership potential, job competence and the ability to take on increased responsibilities. Sgt. Geenen has gone above and beyond his basic duties, sought additional training, and volunteered for specialized assignments that show initiative for a leadership role. Sgt. Geenen mentors, trains, and leads other officers, assists with grant writing and is committed and dedicated to the Town of Plains.

Sgt. Geenen has taken on the role of Intoxilyzer Senior Operator, and he is part of the Threat Assessment Team for Plains High School and spends time at PHS in a School Resource Officer role. Sgt. Geenen is a member of the Sanders County Multi-Disciplinary Team, an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Member, and is involved with the Sanders County DUI Taskforce. Sgt. Geenen received more than 120 hours of POST credit training in 2025. Sgt. Geenen has been with the Plains P.D. since August 2022.
Please take time to congratulate Sgt. Geenen when you have a chance, he has earned it!

*In December 2025, after three years with the Plains P.D., Officer Rick Nickolaus resigned from his position as a Plains Police Officer. Rick was presented with an opportunity to further his career and decided it was something that he needed to pursue. We wish Rick all the best in his new endeavors.

*In November 2025, we opened a new full-time position and hired Nate Zigler as our newest full-time officer. We are excited to have Officer Nate Zigler with us! Officer Zigler will attend the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in early 2026. Beginning in August 2022, Officer Zigler previously served as a reserve officer for Plains P.D.

*Throughout 2025, Plains P.D. has had the opportunity to bring on several more POST-certified officers. We have been blessed with officers that are willing to come out and work in a part-time position, while still working their other full-time jobs. We are also grateful for our reserve officers that continue to volunteer their time to come out and help in Plains, and we hope to put on another reserve officer class in 2026.

We look forward to the upcoming year and hope that you all have a happy and safe new year!

Chief Brian E. Josephson
Plains Police Department

12/12/2025

UPDATE: FRIDAY, 12/12/25, 1434 HRS.

Hailie has been located and is safe!

Thank you to everyone who shared this post, assisted in searching for Hailie, and took time to pray for her!

Plains Police Department

12/11/2025

UPDATE: FRIDAY, 12/12/25, 1434 HRS.

Hailie has been located and is safe!

Thank you to everyone who shared this post, assisted in searching for Hailie, and spent time praying for her!

The Plains Police Department and the Sanders County Sheriff's Office are seeking your assistance in locating Hailie Tompkins.
Hailie is an autistic 18 year old female from Plains who has not been seen since Wednesday, December 10th, 2025.

Hailie is approximately 5'6" tall, weighs approximately 180 lbs., and has wavy, dirty blonde hair.
Hailie could possibly be wearing a light grey puffy jacket and a pink beanie.

If you see Hailie or have seen her, please contact the Sanders County Sheriff's Office at 406-827-3584, ext.3.

Thank you for your assistance in locating Hailie!

12/11/2025

Welcome Nate Zigler as the newest member of our Police Force!

11/29/2025

Plains School combines forces with police

By Ed Moreth

The Plains Police Department and Plains School teamed up to start a program they both hope will lead to a permanent presence at the school.

The school superintendent, Dr. Kathleen Walsh, Police Chief Brian Josephson, and the Town of Plains recently came up with a program that helps make the school a safer place and build rapport between the school and law enforcement.

“The Town of Plains would like to further their partnership with the Plains Public Schools by having an officer available in the Plains Schools on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,” said Josephson, who added that the police department already has a great relationship with the school, but that this program will build that partnership and growth. Officer Rob Geenen started the new program last week by roaming the school halls and talking with students and staff.

“We’re not here on a punitive basis or on an authoritative role, we’re here to promote a positive interaction between the students, staff and police department as a whole,” said Geenen, whose son is a sophomore at the school. He said that his first week went well. The littler kids took a big interest in his equipment and asked a lot of questions. The chief noted that at this time, Geenen will be the primary officer at the school, but that they will all try to spend time there.

“Our goal in partnering with the Plains School District is to assist in providing a safe, healthy environment and to continue to build relationships with staff and students by having an active presence in the Plains Schools,” said Josephson. “An officer's presence would give students an opportunity to see and speak with an officer in a more comfortable environment while also providing that opportunity for the Plains School staff,” he added.

“Overall it seemed to be a success and the kids, both elementary and high school, seemed receptive and excited,” said Geenen of his first week at the school. Geenen has been a full time officer for three years. He also spent a year in the reserve program. “The staff that I had the opportunity to interact with all seemed like they are excited about the program as well. I am looking forward to spending time in the school and exited to see how the program evolves as we progress through the rest of the year,” he said. Geenen’s family left Plains when he was a junior in Plains High School and moved to Oregon, but moved back to Plains in 2020.

Josephson noted that Geenen's time at the school is subject to change as the officer's schedule changes and he would be obligated to respond to emergency situations that might arise in the community. “I am most grateful to Chief Josephson, the Plains Police Department and the mayor's office for this generous gift. Not only does the presence of Officer Geenen provide a wonderful resource, but it helps in strengthening our school and community partnership,” said Walsh.

The superintendent has been working on the idea having an officer at the school since she arrived in 2023. “Our goal is to create a seamless partnership between the Plains Police Department and the school,” said Walsh, who is actively researching grants to restart the school resource officer program, which involves having a full time law enforcement officer assigned to the school. The school was a participant in the SRO program in 2008. “I think that this is a great idea and would love to see this turn into a full time school resource officer position,” said Josephson.

The chief noted that the benefits of having an officer in the school is that it provides students with positive interaction with law enforcement, it allows them one-on-one time with the students, it’s a chance to build relationships with staff and students, and if a situation arises at the school, the officer is already there. “An officer in the school is a deterrent when school violence is at an all time high,” said Josephson, who took over as the chief of police in 2022.

“Our department believes in this enough that we’re volunteering our time in the school and this is not costing the district anything,” said Geenen. Josephson hopes to continue to build this partnership and is also looking for grant opportunities that would help fund more time for Geenen to be at the school.

11/28/2025

From October 31st, 2025.
PLAINS RESERVE Police Officer Jolynn Hanson hands out candy to pre-kindergartener Susan Henning during the Plains School Trunk or Treat celebration. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)