Editorial: Consider arming of officers in Alaska Native villages

Newspaper says arming of village public safety officers in Alaska should be examined closely:
Lawmakers and the administration are right to consider whether village public safety officers should be armed.

A bill that would allow VPSOs to carry weapons, introduced by Rep. Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, remained in committee when the Legislature adjourned earlier this week. When the Legislature returns in January, the idea will be ripe for debate.

That’s because the state administration plans to look at the pros and cons in the interim. Public Safety Commissioner Joe Masters said he personally favors the idea but acknowledges that it needs a broader discussion.

That’s the right approach.

Get the Story:
Editorial: Arming VPSOs: State must study the idea and solicit input (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 4/19)

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