BRIDGERS court sees eighth graduate from DUI treatment program

The City of Bozeman’s BRIDGERS court just saw its eighth graduate from the program since it began in 2024. The ceremony took place Tuesday in the Chuck Winn Community Room at Bozeman’s Public Safety Center.

BRIDGERS stands for Bozeman Regional Impaired Drivers Gaining Effective Rehabilitation Services. It’s a voluntary 12- to 15-month program with an average of 150 hours of treatment. The program helps with benefits and treatment services for participants. It includes court appearances to monitor progress and random drug and alcohol testing.

It’s open to Gallatin County residents 18 and older who have been charged in a court of limited jurisdiction within the county. Residents have to be charged with a second, third or aggravated DUI and have treatment needs that won’t interfere with public safety.

“Treatment court programs are programs that give people the positive support that they need to make changes in their lives. They reduce recidivism, and therefore save taxpayer dollars and increase public safety,” said Renee Boundy, Treatment Court coordinator.

Other BRIDGERS court participants attended the ceremony, and one was selected to say a few words about the graduate before Judge Colleen Herrington handed him his official certificate. The graduate requested not to be publicly identified.

The ceremony lasted about five minutes.

Herrington said treatment court is a way for individuals in the criminal justice system to gain “accountability and support.” She said she’s grateful to see them make changes in their lives and to be able to help them push for results and success in the program.

“We really do care about these people,” Herrington said.