How Alaska has transformed into the Wild West

I would like to say something first and foremost. This is my opinion and mine alone.

Alaska the last frontier, sounds like the start of a Star Trek episode. I love my state and how it was. We have a booming tourist industry, best hunting and used to be fishing in the world.

Let’s start there. The mismanagement of our fish has almost totally wiped out the king salmon and hurt all other salmon runs. The state has allowed commercial fishermen to over harvest but then limit the subsistence fishermen. Directly violating our state constitution. King salmon fishing has been totally shut down this year, others might be restricted also.

Now let’s get to why I say it is turning into the Wild West. Just 2 days ago there was an exchange of gunfire between 2 cars in our biggest city of Anchorage, no doubt drug related. Every day this week there has been a shooting in Anchorage alon. Our state is the second most dangerous in the United States. Alaska is also the most dangerous place to live in America if you are a woman. There is zero fear for the criminals now. Prison is not punishment here.

Prison should be somewhere no one wants to go. Not here. They have festivals and special events 4-6 times a summer. They have church groups sponcer special speakers. I don’t openly advertise this much but I work for corrections. I see the replete offender come through 2,3,4 times and think nothing is wrong with what they are doing.

We can’t keep employees due to the fact our administration does not want to offend the prison population 6 have turned in their 2 weeks this mounth alone. Under staffing and the beliefs of our administration makes no one want to work where I do. I have been in the law enforcement field for 17+ years. This is the worst I have seen.

Our administration believes if we give the prisoners what ever they want they will be good. Not true there have been 3 staff assaults in the last 3 months. There is no accountability. Worst case for the prisoner they get 1 year added for loss of “good time” and possibly new assault charges.