By AlaskaWatchman.com

A new crop of law enforcement officers graduated from the Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy on June 25.

The ceremony in Sitka was closed to the public, but included 45 officers who completed more than 1,000 hours of training over the course of 17 weeks of basic training.

The schooling 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.

“Congratulations to the first class of 2022 graduating from the Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Serving Alaskans through public safety is honorable work. I appreciate these motivated individuals who want to make Alaska a safer and better place to live.”

The graduates include 20 Alaska State Troopers who will continue 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 other 25 graduates will serve as police officers in communities across Alaska.

Here is a list of the graduates and their assignments.

45 new Alaska law enforcement officers receive their badges

Joel Davidson
Joel is Editor-in-Chief of the Alaska Watchman. Joel is an award winning journalist and has been reporting for over 24 years, He is a proud father of 8 children, and lives in Palmer, Alaska.