Fairbanks, AK – Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is pleased to hear of the passage of Senate Bill 81 (HB303), which was approved by the House of Representatives earlier today. The Bill has already been passed by the Senate, but due to minor changes it will require a conference committee. The Bill codifies the recommendations of the joint bipartisan legislative Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) Working Group and makes critical changes to the decades old program to improve public safety for all of Alaska.
Throughout the years, TCC’s Full Board of Directors has passed multiple resolutions requesting improvements to public safety for their communities. As a result, TCC has focused extensive resources to find ways to increase access to public safety throughout the region, including the operation of the VPSO program.
“Public Safety has been and continues to be a priority for our tribal communities,” says Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley, TCC, “Tribes deserve the same level of protection as any other community in our state. Our hope is that this bill will be a positive step toward strengthening the presence of public safety in rural Alaska. The fact that this bill was passed on National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Day is a significant reminder of the importance of this legislation.”
Prior to the legislative working group’s formation, and starting in 2016, TCC recognized the need for a VPSO Contractor Caucus where all the VPSO grantees worked together to agree on proposed solutions to the VPSO grant contract and standard operating procedures. These meetings highlighted the need for the program to be reformed to provide flexibility, so the program can be reflective of needs at a local level to ensure the safety of our community members.
The legislative Working Group worked in partnership with stakeholders, including TCC Chiefs and tribal leaders to truly reform the program to the needs of rural Alaska.
“TCC is grateful for the time the VPSO Working Group spent with our tribal leaders and the effort extended to engage with our communities,” says Chief Ridley, “This accomplishment is truly a tribute to the good work that can be achieved when Tribal consultation is a part of reform. We are thankful to Senator Olson and Representative Zulkosky for carrying this important legislation and look forward to seeing it on the Governor’s desk soon.”