Alaska Matters: Trooper Vacancies

Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

March 1, 2023

Murkwoski, Sullivan & Peltola Address the Legislature

Last week, Senator Lisa Murkowski addressed the Alaska Legislature. This rounds out addresses from our congressional delegation after hearing from Senator Dan Sullivan and Congresswoman Mary Peltola.

Watch this week's video update

Trooper Vacancies

Last month, the Department of Public Safety Senate Finance Subcommittee heard a budget overview. Commissioner Cockrell noted that one of the department's main budget challenges is vacant trooper positions. While the department had 352 positions filled as of January 31, the department is still trying to filled 58 positions--a 16-17% vacancy rate. Cockrell would prefer to have only 25-30 vacancies at any given time--a 6-7% vacancy rate. Cockrell also noted that the troopers are getting "top heavy" with older troopers who may retire soon--another future contributing factor to the ongoing vacancy rate.

One budget item that should improve recruitment and retention for troopers and Village Public Safety Officers is the inclusion of a federal grant for rural trooper housing. Housing is crucial to recruiting public safety officials in rural Alaska and has proven a significant hurdle to placing law enforcement officers in rural communities. The recently-passed federal spending bill includes $3 million in Alaska State Troopers facilities that seeks to address a shortage of housing for law enforcement officials in rural parts of the state, primarily in western Alaska.

As we discussed in a previous e-newletter, House Bill 22/Senate Bill 35 are companion pieces of legislation that return public safety officers to a defined benefit pension plan. Public safety workers believe that a pension system can help their struggles with recruitment and retention. The estimated cost to the Department of Public Safety every time an incumbent leaves their position, including the recruitment, training, and relocation of new recruits, is one to five times the salary of the employee.

As part of our work to improve public safety and make wise use of our public safety resources, our office is committed to supporting efforts that decrease turnover, improve recruitment, and aid public safety officers in doing their essential work.

Constituent Survey

One of the most important parts of my work as your Senator is hearing from West Anchorage constituents on the issues.

Last week, we launched our electronic Constituent Survey! Please take a moment to share your thoughts and suggestions. I always appreciate your feedback!

The survey will remain open until March 13.

Save the Date: Mid-Session Constituent Meeting

Join Senator Claman, Representative McKay, and Representative Armstrong for a mid-session constituent meeting for Senate District H.

Facebook event

When: Saturday, March 25 from noon – 1:30 PM

Where: Anchorage Legislative Office, 1500 W. Benson Blvd.

Community Information

→ Update Your Voter Registration

The deadline to update your voter registration or register to vote for the upcoming Anchorage Municipal election is March 5. Ballots will be mailed to qualified, registered Anchorage voters on March 14. All ballot envelopes must be postmarked on or before Election Day, April 4, 2023.

To learn about what's on the ballot, including assembly races and bond propositions, visit the MOA Elections website.

Anchorage Assembly boundaries changed due to redistricting. Find your district here.

→ Application Open: Assembly Youth Member

The Assembly Youth Representative position is open! A non-voting seat on the Anchorage Assembly, the Youth Representative weighs in on the business of the city in a real-world leadership role.

Young people aged 16-19 are encouraged to apply online before March 28.

Questions about this opportunity? Contact Associate Ombudsman Heather MacAlpine at heather.macalpine2@anchorageak.gov.