The Alaska VPSO Program has been on the decline. In the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta alone, the program has shrunk by about 90%.
Village public safety officers in Yukon-Delta Kuskokwim during training in Bethel in 2015. At the peak of the VPSO program, there were 113 officers. Now there are 51, according to the program director. is making its way through the Alaska Legislature. The bill’s authors want to improve village public safety officer retention in Alaska.
The committee members have two ideas why the retention is so poor: the pay is too low and the working conditions are tough. Another committee member, Bethel Sen. Lyman Hoffman, said the way the state’s funding rules are now, the tribal nonprofits don’t have enough leeway to improve the working conditions for their VPSOs.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NTSB issues safety recommendations after Alaska midair crash - Alaska Public MediaIn the 2020 crash, the two planes collided just over 2 miles from the Soldotna Airport, which does not have an air traffic control tower.
Read more »
Anchorage restaurant Mexico in Alaska celebrates 50 years - Alaska Public MediaMaria Elena Ball opened Mexico in Alaska in Anchorage in 1972. She says many doubted her at first. And in the early years of her restaurant, she relied on the kindness of strangers, as well as the cilantro and spices that her mom sent from Texas.
Read more »
Prank results in scare on Alaska Airlines flight bound for OrlandoA prank resulted in a scare aboard an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Orlando on Sunday.
Read more »
5 injured in plane crash on frozen Lake Iliamna in Southwest AlaskaFive people were seriously injured when a small plane crashed into frozen Lake Iliamna in Southwest Alaska Saturday, state troopers said.
Read more »
What's new for travelers to Alaska in 2022After a nonexistent 2020 season and an abbreviated 2021 season, Alaska travel is gearing up across the board for a return to normal. Cruise lines expect to be back with a full slate of sailings, bringing up to 1.5 million…
Read more »