What is DPS doing to about rural justice needs?
The conditions in rural Alaska pose unique challenges for law enforcement. The Department of Public Safety has made strides to address the main issues: illegal alcohol importation and extremely high rates of sexual assault and sexual abuse. In 2004, DPS added seven new trooper positions in Western Alaska, bringing our total number of commissioned positions for rural Alaska to 52. In an ongoing effort to curb boot legging, the state recently passed legislation to encourage the voters of Bethel and Kotzebue to allow alcohol distribution centers in their communities and require the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to set up a database to track alcohol shipments to the bush. Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers are always reliant on the local communities for leads on illegal activities. Bottom Line: DPS is committed to serving rural communities and increasing public safety for all Alaskans and partnership with the local residents is imperative to that. Community and legislative supp
