A Publication of the Justice Center

"Village Safety Officer Program" by M. James Messick

In 1979, the Alaska Department of Public Safety initiated a restructuring of the then-existing Village Police Officer program in order to improve public safety and law enforcement in rural Alaska villages. The result of the restructuring was the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program. This article, by one of the VPSO program's architects, presents the major problems the program sought to address and describes the proposed program, including VPSO training, program elements, and program funding.

"One Judge's View: Sentencing in Alaska"

This article discusses the lengthy comments made by Anchorage Superior Court Judge James K. Singleton about sentencing in Alaska, in particular about two issues of contemporary concern: the problem of disparity of sentences which had led to allegations of bias in sentencing practices; and the issue of retribution as opposed to reprobation (the affirmation of community norms) as a standard in sentencing. The occasion of the comments was a hearing for reduction of sentence following the sentencing of a defendant convicted of selling cocaine.

"Opinions of Note"

Brief digests of Alaska Supreme Court opinions and the criminal justice issues involved.

"Forum Suspends Publication"

Announcing suspension of publication of the Alaska Justice Forum due to expiration of the supporting grant and lack of success in securing alternative funding. (The Forum resumed publication in Spring 1987.)