BUTTE — Butte police are clearing out space in the city jail in anticipation of a rowdy St. Patrick’s Day.
The Montana Standard reports that St. Patrick’s Day is often a busy night for law enforcement in Butte, and with this year’s holiday landing on Friday, officials are concerned parties could get out of hand.
Butte-Silver Bow County Undersheriff George Skuletich says about 20 prisoners in the Butte jail arraigned or sentenced on state charges should be moved to detention centers in neighboring counties before Friday. Patrol officers have also been advised not to chase down misdemeanor warrants.
In all, authorities hope to have 30 beds open before St. Patrick’s Day.
The last time St. Patrick’s Day fell on a Friday, in 2006, Skuletich says 100 people were arrested and two police cruisers had their windows smashed with beer cans.