Democratic Socialists Host Police Abolition Event in Missoula Tonight

MISSOULA — The Western Montana Democratic Socialists of America will host a speaker event tonight addressing police abolition strategies, featuring two presenters discussing alternatives to traditional law enforcement approaches.

The event, titled “How to Abolish the Police: Imperatives, Strategies, and Experiments,” begins at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, located at 112 North Pattee Street. Speakers Kristian Williams and Riley Pavelich will present during an evening subtitled “Prison, Parole, and Reentry.”

Williams, described by organizers as an “American Anarchist Author,” plans to discuss reasons for police abolition, strategy considerations, and historical attempts to replace police with what the event materials call “more liberatory arrangements.”

The timing of the event comes as Missoula continues to grapple with ongoing concerns about public safety, homelessness, and crime rates that have drawn attention from residents and city leadership.

Two current Missoula City Council members, Kristen Jordan and Daniel Carlino, are members of the Western Montana Democratic Socialists of America, the organization hosting tonight’s presentation.

The event’s focus on police abolition represents a controversial approach in ongoing national and local conversations about criminal justice reform. Proponents of such policies typically advocate for redirecting funding away from law enforcement toward social services, mental health programs, and community-based safety initiatives.

Critics of police abolition movements often express concerns about public safety and the practical implementation of alternative approaches to crime prevention and response.

According to the event organizers, the presentation will also address bail reform, with materials stating that “the main function of bail is to keep poor and working-class people in jail while awaiting trial” and questioning what can be done to abolish the bail system.

The speakers’ presentation will focus on strategies for abolishing police and replacing law enforcement with alternative systems.

Western Montana News reached out to both Jordan and Carlino for comment on their positions regarding police abolition and public safety approaches.

Jordan confirmed her DSA membership but disavowed the organization’s position on police abolition. “This is where I do not align with the DSA platform,” Jordan said. “I support the police and appreciate that I can call 911 and get them when needed, which I have had to do.”

Jordan added that she supports some criminal justice reforms and has been working with Police Chief Brady Colyer on reforms over the past six months, mentioning that, “it will take some time to roll it out.”

Despite Jordan’s disavowal of the police abolition platform, the Western Montana DSA has scheduled a canvassing event for her reelection campaign on October 9th at the Missoula Public Library.

Carlino had not responded by publication time.

The event is open to the public, with the Elks Lodge serving as the venue for the 6 p.m. gathering.

This article was updated at 7:45 p.m. to include comments from Councilwoman Kristen Jordan.