The Mat-Su Borough Assembly voted this week to encourage all eligible residents to own firearms and ammunition.
District 7 Assemblymember Bernier cosponsored the resolution with Assemblymember McKee. Some residents expressed concern at the Assembly meeting, particularly how the resolution would increase safety. Bernier says the resolution is meant to help deter crime throughout the Borough, with a focus on the rural communities.
At a public meeting in the summer of 2023 in Trapper Creek, Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner Cockrell explained that funding was not the cause for lack of Trooper presence. Cockrell explained that the Department had trouble recruiting talent, despite offering a significant sign-on bonus. At that time, 11 Trooper positions in the B Detachment remained open. Troopers at that meeting noted that there may only be five officers on duty to cover all of B Detachment, an area slightly larger than the state of Arkansas.
A lack of Troopers in the Upper Valley has meant a perception of the increase in crime. Residents have become frustrated at the delay in response or lack of response altogether. Bernier says the lack of Trooper presence is not the main driver of the resolution, but that the US and Alaska state constitutions support gun rights. He goes on to say that even if there were plenty of Troopers in the Upper Valley, he would still encourage residents to be armed.
Commissioner Cockrell says by email that the Mat-Su Borough has the ability to fund their own police force if they believe there is not adequate police presence within the Borough. He goes on to say that though there are fewer Troopers working today than they would like, there has been no meaningful reduction in Trooper response to calls for help or impact to the Alaskans they work for.
Representative Kevin McCabe is supportive of the idea since he hears from many constituents about the lack of law enforcement in the district. However, he says he would rather see legislation creating a Reserve Trooper program or adding Village Public Safety Officer support in some of the underserved communities, such as Trapper Creek.
Bernier says there are several other communities in the U.S. with laws on the books requiring or encouraging residents to be armed. He encourages Borough residents to take advantage of safety courses and firearms training. “The first defense is going to be yourself,” says Bernier.
The resolution encouraging residents to arm themselves passed with no opposition.
