2012 Annual Report - Bristol Bay Native Association

VPSO Program
“First Responders – Last Frontier”
The BBNA Village Public Safety Officer Program (VPSO) continues to provide public safety services
to rural communities of Bristol Bay. Services include responding to search and rescue, fire protection,
emergency medical assistance, crime prevention, and basic law enforcement. Grant program funds
are provided through the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) on an annual basis.
BBNA currently has (15) filled VPSO positions located in the region.
The Rover VPSO position located at the Regional office is a new approach to rural community public
safety coverage when necessary. The Rover position was developed to serve Bristol Bay communities
as needed where; a) there is either no VPSO coverage available, b) where a community position
may be vacant; or c) the on-site VPSO might be away from their community for a brief period of
time.
In 2012, five new recruits attended and
successfully completed the VPO Academy
for 2-weeks and the rigorous 10-week
training at Sitka, Alaska. Three - 1st Sgt
staff provided at least 80 hours of Field
Training Officer instruction to new recruits.
This provided a higher retention rate with
the VPSO program for the last two years.
In 2013 the Alaska VPSO Grant allows
16 VPSOs positions, including the Program
Manager and (new) a Program Assistant.
The VPSO Regional Training is scheduled at
the Anchorage Training Facility along with
(5) other nonprofit/borough’s. Annual training
sessions include 40 hours of certification/recertification
courses. This year BBNA
is including a new course titled “Knowing
Who You Are.”
VPSO Joy Reyneke, VPSO Dale Plate, VPSO Donald Stafford(back),
VPSO William Oyaluk, and VPSO Thomas Madole
In 2011, BBNA VPSO Program made a successful grant application to the federal U.S. Department
of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services
(COPS). The grant award for $597,659 was to
purchase Ford Explorer Interceptor SUV Vehicles
for VPSOs in twelve communities. The VPSO’s appreciate
safe adequate vehicle for patrols, transporting
prisoners safely, or being able to haul
boat/trailer packages when providing river and
lake patrols. The grant also allowed an upgrade
of Laptop computers and Printers for each filled
VPSO position.
Becoming a VPSO is an excellent opportunity
to serve one’s community. Applicant candidates
must be 21 years of age, good moral character One of the new VPSO Vehicles.
with no serious criminal history. VPSO recruits are
expected to complete the rigorous ten-week training at the VPSO Academy at Sitka, Alaska. Please
contact Program Manager, Carla Akelkok or Annie Golia, Program Assistant at BBNA Regional Office
for more information.
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