Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

A group of Haines residents are working toward forming a “Friends of the Haines Police” nonprofit with the aim to highlight and support local police officers.

“I just want to see the policing be more supported through community efforts,” said group organizer Lexie DeWitt. “I would love to see programs implemented in our schools and community to help bridge the gap that some may feel is there.”

The group is holding its first public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m. to refine its mission and develop bylaws. The group is looking for additional members. The meeting is open to the public and will be in the library conference room.

DeWitt said she thinks such a group could support events such as a “police week,” or monthly spotlights on police officers and dispatchers so the public could get to know them.

Greg Podsiki is also on the new board. He said police officers across the country are being discredited because of a few negative actions by bad or poorly trained police.

“Cops care,” Podsiki said. “They care about everyone and make huge sacrifices to provide that care. Locally, I’d like to see the public take a greater interest in the many aspects that our police are involved in here in the valley. Their job is much more than shooting bears and writing tickets.”

DeWitt agrees, and said their group could do more to promote local efforts.

“In our first meeting last week, Chief Scott stated he has been working with others to develop a curriculum for rural communities that deals with policing and mental health, but unfortunately no one knows about that, and it’s a really positive thing he is working on,” DeWitt said. “I have had many people from both sides of the political spectrum come to me and say, wow, I think that is a need and a good idea.”

Bill McRoberts is also helping to organize the new group.