Editorial: Consider arming of officers in Alaska Native villages

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.