DPS highlights VPSO expansion and child‑crime investigators but warns rural coverage still uneven
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Summary
Commissioner Cockrell said the Village Public Safety Officer program has grown from roughly 38 to about 85 VPSOs, with a long‑term target of 100; he also described new child‑crime investigators in Nome and ongoing housing and cost challenges that limit rural coverage.
Commissioner James Cockrell told the House subcommittee the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program has grown considerably in recent years, giving the department more presence in rural communities while acknowledging gaps remain.
Cockrell said the program had roughly doubled from about 38 VPSOs several years ago to about 85 on the ground and that the department had added roughly 20 VPSOs in villages that previously lacked coverage. "My ultimate goal is still a 100 at some point in time," Cockrell said, describing the goal of placing a VPSO in every village that requests one. He noted authorized positions this year were around 90 and that several recruits were in the academy.
The department also described targeted hires of long‑term non‑permanent child‑crime investigators stationed in Nome — two positions intended to handle complex felony investigations and relieve patrol troopers for core duties.
Cockrell said housing, utilities and travel costs vary widely across communities and that more than 120 communities continue to experience limited or no VPSO coverage at midyear. He also noted tribal liaisons and coordination with tribal governments as an important element of rural operations.
Lawmakers praised the department's response to recent weather events and storm responses and thanked VPSOs and troopers for life‑saving work at events such as operations at the Egan Center. The department said it planned to open a post in Stebbins and St. Michael this summer if housing becomes available.
The presentation made clear that while the VPSO program is expanding, costs and housing availability — not just authorization — constrain how quickly the department can place officers in rural communities.