Billings Police Chief Rich St. John Will Retire

After four decades of service, the chief will conclude his long tenure on September 30, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Billings Police Chief Rich St. John Will Retire

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Billings Police Chief Rich St. John is set to retire on September 30, 2026, marking the end of a 45-year law enforcement career. St. John has led the department of the 122,000-person city since 2005.

Why it matters

St. John's leadership saw major operational shifts, including the reorganization of the Street Crimes Unit to combat youth gang violence and the utilization of a 2021 public safety mill levy to expand department personnel. His tenure was also marked by shifting state requirements for domestic violence arrests and community policing initiatives.

The Billings Police Department recorded 5 homicides in 2025, a significant decrease from the 15 homicides documented in 2024. The department manages public safety for a total city population of 122,000 residents.

The players

Rich St. John

He is the retiring chief of the Billings Police Department who has served the city for over four decades and holds an undergraduate degree from Rocky Mountain College.

Billings Police Department

This is the primary law enforcement agency for the city of Billings, Montana, tasked with protecting a population of 122,000.

The details

During his time as chief, St. John oversaw the department's transition toward proactive policing funded by a 2021 public safety mill levy. The department also became known for unique community outreach programs, such as the practice of distributing turkeys rather than traffic tickets during the holiday season.

1981: Rich St. John was hired by the Billings Police Department.
2005: St. John began his service as chief of police.
2021: Voters passed a public safety mill levy for the city.
2024: Billings recorded 15 homicides during the year.
Sept. 30, 2026: St. John will finish his final day as chief.

Legal Context

The transition in leadership occurs as the department manages the implementation of new state laws requiring police to identify a primary aggressor in domestic violence cases. This follows a period of departmental growth enabled by the 2021 public safety mill levy.

Residents can expect changes in departmental operations as a new administration takes over the 122,000-person city's policing strategy. The eight-month window required to hire and train new officers remains a critical factor for ongoing staffing levels.

The takeaway

The retirement of a long-standing chief provides an opportunity for the city to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of recent public safety initiatives. Residents should monitor upcoming city council meetings for announcements regarding the appointment of a successor.