BILLINGS — An addition to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility is nearing completion and will provide extra space for short-term holds accused of nonviolent offenses.

In the past, law enforcement wasn't able to keep detainees accused of these smaller crimes, which they said often led to repeat offenses.

Watch this video for a first look inside the new facility: Yellowstone County jail short-term-hold addition nears completion

Billings Police Chief Rich St. John said that the situation of "catch and release" became a frustrating one for his department.

"We did not have any opportunity to put them in jail and hold them accountable," St. John said Tuesday. "We'd arrest the same people over and over again. There were no consequences. It was extremely frustrating for the officer and

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