Divisions
The Alaska Department of Public Safety consists into seven divisions. Each division reports to the Commissioner’s Office
Alaska State Troopers
The Division of Alaska State Troopers provides statewide law enforcement across Alaska’s vast and varied terrain. Troopers respond to criminal incidents, conduct major crime investigations, perform search-and-rescue operations, and provide court and judicial services in communities from Southeast Alaska to the Arctic.
Alaska Wildlife Troopers
The Division of Alaska Wildlife Troopers enforces Alaska’s fish, wildlife, and environmental laws to protect the state’s natural resources for future generations. Wildlife Troopers patrol Alaska’s lands and waters by air, ground, and vessel, conducting enforcement operations and search and rescue across the state.
Village Public Safety Officers
The Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) Division administers grants to regional organizations that recruit, train, and support public safety officers serving Alaska’s most remote communities. VPSOs provide law enforcement, fire suppression, search and rescue, and emergency medical services where no other resources exist.
Victim Services & Forensic Science
The Division of Victim Services and Forensic Science upholds the rights of crime victims and supports the criminal justice system through science, training, and direct services. The division operates the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory, coordinates the Missing Persons Clearinghouse, and provides victim navigation and support statewide.
Fire and Life Safety
The State Fire Marshal’s Office works to prevent the loss of life and property from fire and explosion across Alaska. The division oversees fire code enforcement, building plan reviews, fire department registration and support, permit programs, and public education on fire safety and prevention.
Statewide Services
The Division of Statewide Services delivers critical public safety services directly to Alaskans. The division manages background checks, concealed handgun permits, security guard licensing, and criminal justice records — supporting both public requests and the needs of law enforcement agencies statewide.
Administrative Services
The Division of Administrative Services provides the operational backbone of DPS, overseeing budget and finance, human resources, facilities management, and procurement. The division ensures DPS has the resources and infrastructure necessary to carry out its public safety mission across Alaska.
Commissioner's Office
The Commissioner’s Office provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Alaska Department of Public Safety. The Commissioner oversees all DPS divisions and councils, manages legislative and interagency relationships, and is responsible for policy development and departmental accountability.
Councils
The Alaska Department of Public Safety administratively supports five councils, boards, or commissions.
Council on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) funds and coordinates Alaska’s statewide response to domestic violence and sexual assault. CDVSA distributes state and federal grant funding to local service providers, sets program standards, and works to prevent violence and support survivors in every region of Alaska.
Violent Crimes Compensation Board
The Violent Crimes Compensation Board provides financial assistance to Alaskans who have been victims of violent crime. The Board can help cover medical expenses, counseling, lost wages, and other costs resulting from a violent crime — offering support when victims need it most.
Alaska Police Standards Council
The Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC) establishes and enforces the minimum standards for the selection, training, and certification of police, corrections, probation and parole, and village public safety officers throughout Alaska. APSC ensures that all certified officers meet the qualifications required to serve Alaska’s communities.
Alaska Fire Standards Council
The Alaska Fire Standards Council (AFSC) establishes training and certification standards for firefighters and fire service personnel across Alaska. The Council works to ensure that Alaska’s fire service members are prepared to protect lives and property through consistent, high-quality training and professional standards.
MMIP Review Commission
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Review Commission works to improve Alaska’s response to cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous people. The Commission reviews individual cases, identifies systemic gaps in investigation and response, and makes recommendations to improve outcomes for MMIP investigations across the state.