Montana Kids: Enter 2026 Law Enforcement Poster Contest Today!

I've shared several stories showing appreciation for our law enforcement and for good reason! Since arriving in Montana last August, I've had the pleasure of witnessing the positive impact our law enforcement has had on the community and the extreme lengths they'll go to keep us safe.

Now, kids across Montana will have an opportunity to showcase their appreciation in a statewide contest.

2026 Montana Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest

In a press release shared on February 18th, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced submissions for the 2026 Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest are now being accepted.

"Montana is a state that backs the blue, and this contest is a great way to instill that principle into kids at a young age. I always enjoy seeing the submissions and how young Montanans use their creativity to show their appreciation for our law enforcement officers," Attorney General Knudsen said in a press release.

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"I look forward to celebrating with the winner of the contest later this year."

The contest is open to Montana elementary students and submissions can only include art that was made with "acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, markers, crayons, pastels, or others."

Sorry kids, no AI is allowed. Preferred sizes for submissions must be 8.5 x 14 inches, 8.5×11 or 11×17. The artwork should show why the student appreciates law enforcement, come with a brief bio of the student, and a completed application which you can find HERE.

Winners will get $250 from Stockman Bank and an ice cream social from MHP troopers according to the press release.

Also, the press release says that a statewide winner will be selected:

From the seven district winners, a statewide winner will be chosen and awarded with an additional $500 from Stockman Bank as well as a celebratory visit from Attorney General Austin Knudsen, and an opportunity for a ride along with MHP Colonel Kurt Sager. The winning poster will be displayed in Montana Department of Justice offices around the state.

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"Our troopers enjoy experiencing the support from Montana students every year," Montana Highway Patrol Colonel Kurt Sager said in the release, "It is an excellent reminder of why we became law enforcement officers in the first place: to keep them and their communities safe."

"It also provides us with a positive opportunity to engage with students across the state and help them understand what it means to work in law enforcement."