Records: Missoula police write 62 tickets for urban camping violations so far in 2026

The Missoula Police Department has given 62 citations for people violating the city's urban camping law since the start of the year, with several individuals racking up multiple violations.

A review of the 2026 data from Jan. 1 to mid-April found the police department has cited several people multiple times for violating the law, which dictates when, where and how people can sleep outside on city property. One man has been cited nine times so far in 2026, according to the data. In total, 26 individuals accounted for the 62 citations. The Missoulian obtained citation data for 2026 so far using a public records request.

Most of the 62 cases remain open. One person was found guilty, three cases were dismissed by the city and seven cases reached settlement agreements that allow for the charges to be dismissed if the person complies with a period of probation. Fifty of the 2026 cases remain active, according to the data.

The Missoulian previously reported fewer than 50 citations were issued between January and May 2025, but violations picked up in the warmer months and in tandem with the closure of the Johnson Street Emergency Shelter.

The city reported 172 citations in calendar year 2025 amid a larger update of the urban camping law last week, where city officials touted the rule as a success for lowering the number of resident complaints and large encampments.

Despite the citations, City Chief Administrative Officer Dale Bickell told city council last week that there are individuals who are successfully sleeping outside by following the ordinance.

"The ordinance does allow for sheltering outdoors inside the city, and people are successful in doing that, and we have been able to manage the impacts on a much better basis," Bickell said.

Since it started being enforced, a total of 223 citations have been written for violating the law.

The charge for violating the law is a misdemeanor offense that comes with a $50 fine.