Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Montana Highway Patrol, in partnership with Stockman Bank, are hosting the fourth annual Montana Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest for elementary school students in Montana to promote public safety and show appreciation for Montana’s law enforcement officers.

Contest Rules

1. Applicants must be in elementary school.
2. Artwork should reflect why the student appreciates law enforcement.
3. Artwork should be showcased using at least one of the following: acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, magic markers, spray paint, crayons, and pastels. Artwork that has been digitally produced is not allowed.
4. The preferred size for posters is 8.5 x 14 inches. Submissions that are 8.5×11 and 11×17 will also be allowed.
5. To complete the submission, the applicant must also include a brief biography and a completed application.

Judging Criteria

1. Incomplete submissions will be disqualified. Posters must also be the correct size, or the submission may not be accepted.
2. Artwork will be judged on:
   • Creativity
   • Originality
   • Understanding of the topic
3. Written applications will be judged on:
   • Comprehension of the theme
   • Clarity
   • Grade-level appropriate writing

Awards

1. A regional winner will be selected from an elementary school in each Montana Highway Patrol district. Each regional winner will receive an ice cream social delivered by the Department of Justice, and $250 from Stockman Bank.

Montana Highway Patrol Districts / Contest Regions

• District 1 – Missoula
• District 2 – Great Falls
• District 3 – Butte
• District 4 – Billings
• District 5 – Glendive
• District 6 – Kalispell
• District 7 – Bozeman

2. From the regional winners, one statewide winner will be chosen. The statewide winner and their class will receive an additional $500 from Stockman Bank and a visit from Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, MHP Colonel Kurt Sager, and local law enforcement. Along with that, the individual winner will also get the opportunity to go on a ride along with Col. Sager, and have their poster displayed in Montana Highway Patrol offices throughout the state.

Timeline

1. Submissions are due to the Montana Department of Justice by April 30, 2025.
2. Winners will be notified the week of May 12, 2025.
3. The statewide winner will be announced, and celebrate with Attorney General Knudsen, Montana Highway Patrol, and Stockman Bank.

Submit your application

1. Mail your application to:
   

   Attorney General’s Office
   ATTN: Law Enforcement Poster Contest
   215 N. Sanders
   Helena, MT 59601

2. The application should include:
   • The original artwork
   • Contest application
   • Release form

3. Contact the Montana Attorney General’s Office at 406-444-2026 with questions.