Public Safety Academy Graduates 43 New Law Enforcement Officers

WASILLA — A total of 43 new law enforcement officers from across the state of Alaska received their badges In a graduation ceremony in Sitka in November of 2022.

“Congratulations to this newest group of law enforcement officers that graduated the Alaska Law Enforcement Academy today,” Governor Mike Dunleavy stated in a recent release. “I want to express my gratitude for your commitment to serve and protect Alaskans across the state, and for the positive difference your service will make to future generations of Alaskans.”

Graduating recruits finished over 1,000 hours of training over the course of 17 weeks of basic Alaska Law Enforcement Training, and the curriculum included intensive instruction in law enforcement-related topics, physical fitness, and many scenario-based exercises designed to prepare entry-level police officers and Troopers for successful careers in Alaska law enforcement.

“Today’s Academy graduation marks another rollout of Alaska’s highly specialized law enforcement officers due to their endurance through this intensive training,” Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell stated in the press release. “Through the Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy’s demanding and refined skill set training, these officers will move forward, continuing to progress in their career through public service in all regions of Alaska.”

Following graduation, the 23 Trooper recruits will continue their training at the academy for an additional week. The “Trooper Basic” training includes tailored and advanced training in fish and wildlife investigations, boating safety, survival, commercial fisheries enforcement, search and rescue, and critical stress management. Recruits also participate in additional scenario-based trainings.

Upon completion of Trooper Basic, recruits will move toward their first duty assignments in either Fairbanks, Soldotna, or the Mat-Su Valley, and begin a 12-week Field Training and Evaluation Program. All Trooper recruits are expected to develop to the point of being able to perform all law enforcement functions independently. If successful, the Trooper recruits will be promoted to the rank of Trooper upon completion of their probationary period, generally 12 months from the start of the academy.

The ceremony was closed to the public. Anyone who is interested can watch a video recording on the Alaska State Troopers Facebook page.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com