Palin signs VPSO bill in Kotzebue

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Gov. Sarah Palin was in Kotzebue Tuesday to sign a bill that would allow more communities to take part in the Village Public Safety Officer Program.

House Bill 106 was introduced by Kotzebue Rep. Reggie Joule.

Palin told the crowd the bill would allow municipal governments in communities with less than 10,000 people to administer the program. 

Palin says one of the challenges in rural Alaska is consistent law enforcement and more VPSOs will make a difference.     

"The presence of these officers has had a significant impact on improving the quality of life in participating villages," said Palin. "I want to thank each and every one of our courageous VPSOs for this."

Palin's speech was broadcast live on KOTZ-FM.  

Contact Rhonda McBride at rmcbride@ktuu.com