Sitka Has 26 Alaska Law Enforcement Training Graduates

Governor Attends ALET Graduation Ceremony

Friday, November 15, 2019 (Sitka, AK) – Governor Michael J. Dunleavy today attended the Alaska Law Enforcement Training (ALET) Session 1902 Graduation Ceremony in Sitka. The 26 graduates will deploy to nearly every region of the state and are composed of 12 Alaska State Troopers, an Alaska Wildlife Trooper, and 13 law enforcement officers from city and borough police departments.

Key excerpts from Governor Dunleavy’s Commencement Address, as prepared:

“It’s a true honor to stand before you today – the newest defenders of Alaska – you have chosen a challenging career in a state that has proven challenging to police. The training you received these past 16 weeks from the great academy staff has prepared you to save lives, protect the innocent, and hold evil accountable. The harsh realities that come with being in law enforcement are not lost on me – many of you have families to care for, young children – yet you answered the call of service and sacrifice to protect your fellow citizens and make Alaska a safer place.”

“You are entering a career that doesn’t always offer thanks when you do everything right. When your life-saving first aid saves a young child. When you talk someone off of a ledge, or when you build positive relationships with your community. But know this: you have a Governor that stands with you, and with all law enforcement.”

“Over the last several years Alaska has seen a tragic rise in violent crime. We are number one in the nation for sexual assault, for domestic violence. This is simply unacceptable, and we all have an obligation – both law enforcement and our state as a whole – to work together to make sure Alaska’s women and children are safe once again. This violence must end with our generation. Earlier this year we repealed the failed SB91 that fueled Alaska’s crime problem. Alaska’s law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges now have the tools they need to get dangerous criminals off the street and provide help to those that have fallen into addiction.”

The ALET Program fulfills the requirements to be certified as a municipal police officer or an Alaska State Trooper with the Department of Public Safety. Each academy is an intense 16 weeks long, and includes thorough training in subjects such as criminal justice, investigations, traffic violations, communications, defensive tactics, and use of firearms. Recruits who have been hired as State Troopers will stay for an additional two weeks after graduation for the Trooper Basic Course.

The Spring ALET academy will begin on February 23, 2020 and end on June 12, 2020. The next Fall ALET academy will occur July 26, 2020 to November 13, 2020.