Ask a Trooper

Question: Do the holidays make your job harder or easier?

Answer: There are two ways to look at that. The holidays bring out the best and the sometimes worst in people. In general, law enforcement officers like to enjoy the spirit of the season as much as anyone else. Most people are in a better mood, work harder at getting along, and are willing to express good will. That obviously helps in our job. Unfortunately, the holidays can also cause a great deal of stress to many people. This expresses itself in domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and many other social ills. Also, because of holiday celebrating, there is an increased potential for encountering a drunk driver coming at you on the highway. One good DWI crash can ruin the holidays for many people.

We hope that this holiday season, especially in light of the all the tragedies in the past year with all the suffering happening, and all the people engaged in protecting freedom and protecting public safety, that his year everyone makes a special effort to promote "Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men" at home. Then, at least this year, we can say our job was easier.

If you have questions you would like to ask a trooper, send them to Alaska State Troopers, P.O. Box 817, Seward, AK 99664, or e-mail them to Brandon_Anderson@dps.state.ak.us.