Back reforms to the blueThe mission of the Anchorage Police Department is “To protect and serve our community in the most professional and compassionate manner possible.” Yet the president of APD’s police union was “dismayed” that the mayor of Anchorage would demand reforms to a police department that has killed four civilians in the past three months.
To seek reform is not necessarily a condemnation of the individual officers responsible for the tragic loss of life that our community has witnessed. It simply acknowledges that the present police state isn’t working and seeks to find answers on how to fix a broken system.
It’s unfortunate that APD’s union appears to be resistant to reform where it is clear that the police department is failing to live up to its very own mission statement. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s proposed reforms are amply warranted and reflects a community that does not feel safe to call upon its watchmen in times of need.
APD should welcome the opportunity to work with the mayor in a transparent manner as opposed to hiding behind a union representative who is resistant to change that is necessary for the safety of all who choose to call Anchorage their home.
— Lacey Jane Brewster, Esq.
Anchorage
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