House Reworks Alaska Police Standards Council Membership

(Juneau) - The Alaska House of Representatives today passed House Bill (HB) 193, legislation amending the membership of the Alaska Police Standards Council to include two certified police officers with at least five years of experience. The bill, sponsored by Representative Bob Roses, R-Anchorage, substitutes the seats held by one correctional administrative officer and one chief administrative officer or chief of police for the certified police officers.

As it's seated now, the Council is the only state board without representation from the group most affected by its decisions and that is a disservice to the line officers.
~ Rep. Bob Roses

"The Council has operated for years without having the benefit of the voice of the men and women they regulate: the officers charged with the daily enforcement of the law," said Rep. Roses. "As it's seated now, the Council is the only state board without representation from the group most affected by its decisions and that is a disservice to the line officers. Overall the Council has done a fine job, but needs the thoughts, ideas and perspective that only regular duty officers can add."

The 11-member Council establishes and enforces the minimum standards for employment, training and retention of police, corrections, probation and parole officers throughout the state, and adopts regulations and conducts administrative hearings within the Department of Public Safety.

HB 193 will be transmitted to the Alaska State Senate for its consideration.