Alaska State Trooper Citizen Academy
The Division of Alaska State Troopers has started a Citizen Academy Program with locations in the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks and Soldotna. The program is designed to promote and enhance citizen understanding and awareness of the role of the Alaska State Troopers (AST) within your community.
The objective of the Alaska State Trooper Citizen Academy is not to train an individual to be a "Reserve Officer" or "Trooper" but to produce informed citizens.
The role of troopers has always been of interest to the average citizen. The television media has capitalized upon this curiosity with shows such as "Cops", "America's Most Wanted", "Stories of the Highway Patrol", "CSI" and specifically the more recent documentary/reality television episodes about our Alaska State Troopers. Each week, real police action is broadcast into the living rooms of millions of Americans. This often creates unrealistic Hollywood ideals and spreads misinterpretation of law enforcement to citizens across the country. Our AST program is based on Citizen Police Academy programs being formed by police agencies all over America. CPA's are intended to open the lines of communication between the community and their local police and help expand a police agencies community based efforts. AST's Citizen Academy can alleviate some misunderstanding by providing citizens a firsthand look at the statutes, regulations and policies that guide troopers in their daily duties.
Advance registration is required for the Academy. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in the State of Alaska. Additionally, Participants must pass a background investigation including a criminal history check- felony and some misdemeanor convictions will preclude participation in the Citizens Academy.