Village Public Safety Officer Archives - KNOM Radio Mission

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As Fewer VPSOs Face More Challenges, White Mountain’s Reaches 25 Years

By admin | February 13, 2018 |

Man in tan security uniform sits at the kitchen table inside his home.

Sergeant Dan Harrelson recently reached 25 years as the sole law enforcement figure in White Mountain. He’s one of only six VPSOs in the Bering Strait region, where 10 VPSO positions are currently vacant.

Keeping the Peace

By KNOM Radio | February 2, 2018 |

Man in tan security uniform sits at the kitchen table inside his home.

Most villages in Western Alaska are too small to support full-time police. Village Public Safety Officers, or VPSOs, are often the local first responders. Volunteer reporter Gabe Colombo is shining the spotlight on the unique state of rural Alaska law enforcement in an ongoing project for KNOM News.