Starting Salary of $75K to Patrol Alaska's Highways? Hiring Event in Tacoma This Weekend

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The Alaska Department of Public Safety is recruiting in Tacoma this weekend, hoping to lure law enforcement applicants north with promises of high salaries and adventure.

The Washington Hiring Days Event will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at LeMay — America's Car Museum, 2702 E. D St. State troopers and wildlife troopers will be on hand to answer questions, give presentations and assist with applications.

It's the first out-of-state recruiting event the department has held since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Being an Alaska state trooper is unlike any other law enforcement jobs in the world," spokesman Austin McDaniel said. "You are patrolling one of the most beautiful states in the country, and you have the freedom to do the job you were hired on to do. It's more than just being a law enforcement officer — it's more starting a real adventure."

Like many law enforcement agencies across the nation, Alaska troopers are experiencing a personnel shortage.

The agency, which employs 417 sworn personnel, has about 50 vacancies and is looking to hire 30 or so. Lateral applicants will join a 16-week training academy in Sitka, and applicants with no law enforcement experience will go through the academy next fall.



McDaniel said Alaska troopers received one of the highest law enforcement salaries in the nation.

Candidates with no law enforcement experience or college degree have a starting annual salary of about $75,000. Those with one year of law enforcement experience start at more than $80,000, and applicants with six years of experience have a salary range starting around $100,000.

There is no COVID-19 vaccination requirement for state employees in Alaska.

Alaska's recruitment efforts in Tacoma come at a time when the Washington State Patrol is struggling to find enough troopers.

After a COVID-19 vaccine mandate went into effect last month, 67 Washington state troopers, six sergeants, one captain and 53 civil servants chose to leave the agency rather than provide proof of vaccination.