Alaska Department of Public Safety

Key discussions during the meeting involved the qualifications of examiners for psychological exams, leading to a motion to discuss the specific situation in executive session. The Council addressed an appeal regarding an Executive Director determination on reciprocity for Mr. Jaquel Pitts, ultimately upholding the determination. Other new business included discussions on standardized Basic Certification Testing, clarifying Methods of Instruction (MOI) guidelines, and forming a committee to explore concerns regarding the reciprocity standards and process. The Council also addressed matters arising from deliberative sessions, including the interpretation of a statute or regulation concerning moral character evidence, rescission requests, and determining probable cause for initiating revocation or disqualification actions in numerous pending cases. Additionally, the Council considered rescinding certification in one case and confirmed disqualification or revocation actions for several other cases. Finally, there was a discussion regarding scheduling quarterly meetings, and the incumbent Chair and Vice-Chair were re-elected.

The meeting included the approval of the current agenda and past minutes from December 2, 2024. The Executive Director's Report detailed staffing updates, including the retirement of Shane Nicholson and the hiring of Kris Schmidt as a second investigator. Statistical updates covered records requests, reciprocity evaluations, and misconduct investigations, noting 77 active cases. The report also highlighted the successful adoption and implementation of new certification regulations effective January 19, 2025. Legislative review covered Senate Bill 53 concerning mandatory law enforcement agency accreditation. In Old Business, Policy and Procedure 13 (Open Meetings, Deliberative Sessions, and Executive Sessions) and Policy and Procedure 14 (Recusals) were approved. New Business involved forming a subgroup to review statutes and regulations, starting with reciprocity regulations. Following a deliberative session, the Council addressed several case matters, including denying one rescission request (Case 2016-38) and finding probable cause to pursue revocation proceedings in multiple cases. Finally, the Council voted to revoke certification in Case 2022-14 and issue an order of disqualification in Case 2022-17.

The Special Meeting of the Alaska Police Standards Council involved calling the meeting to order and conducting a roll call of members present and absent. A key action taken was the motion and subsequent unanimous consent to adjourn to a Deliberative Session to address matters concerning the reputation and character of individuals and for adjudicatory proceedings. Following this session, the General Session was called back to order, after which the meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

This strategic plan for the State of Alaska Department of Public Safety Division of Fire and Life Safety is dedicated to preventing loss of life and property from fire and explosion. It focuses on improving oversight of the oil and gas industry, reducing fire deaths in high-risk groups, and enhancing the evaluation of training and education programs. The plan is guided by core values including customer service, communication, and integrity, with the ultimate goal of fostering safe growth and development throughout Alaska by reducing fire fatalities, property damage, and the overall number of fires.

The meeting included technical advisory committee progress reports on various NFPA standards, including Haz Mat, Fire Fighter, Driver Operator, Airport Firefighter, Marine FF for Land Based Firefighter, Technical Rescuer, Fire Officer, Fire Investigator, Fire Life Safety Educator/YFSI, Fire & Emergency Services Instructor, Live Fire Technician, AK Rapid Intervention Technician, Fire Department Safety Officer, and AK Rural Fire Protection Specialist. Discussions also covered the reconsideration of statutory language changes, online testing and records management, and legislative initiatives. The election of officers resulted in Ben Simonds as the new Chair and Rob Mathis as the new Vice Chair. Recognition of service was given to Dorriane Sprehe. Action items included updating agendas, skill sheets, test banks, and website information.