KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | Aniak wants Troopers out

Aniak wants Troopers out

by Jill Burke
Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The village of Aniak says living with Alaska State Troopers in its community is like living with Big Brother.

Earlier this month, the Aniak Traditional Council sent a letter to Alaska State Troopers asking that troopers be permanently removed from the Aniak post. The council cites unfair treatment and disregard of tribe members' civil rights as reasons and says it feels the scrutiny is racially motivated.

The council complains troopers cite and fine young children for hunting or trapping ptarmigan and rabbits without a license. The say law enforcement officials also place roadblocks and conduct car searches in search of drunk drivers and bootlegged liquor without cause.

Chief Wayne Morgan says it's so bad people are afraid to live their lives freely. 

"We respect the law and follow the law, but to be looked for and asked and checked that we are ensuring that we are not breaking the law and questioned all of the time, to me that is harassment," Morgan said.

Alaska State Troopers say they take the allegations seriously and will look into the council's claims.

But in written statement troopers explain they won't be leaving Aniak.

"...we do not have the option or authority to decide not to serve the people of Aniak."

Troopers say they cannot withdraw from a service area unless another state authorized public safety entity is in place.

Contact Jill Burke at jburke@ktuu.com