DON'T LET THAT BOYISH GRIN…fool you. Sergeant Robert M. Baty has been with the Alaska State Troopers for fifteen years. He is proud, and somewhat awed by that, himself. He dressed to impress us by showing up in his SWAT team camouflage and side arm. He was participating with the Anchorage Police Department in a week-long training exercise on special weapons and tactics.

Sergeant Baty explained that there are two layers of law enforcement in the rural areas. The State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers (VPSO) carry the authority of the State of Alaska, under the Department of Public Safety. They receive training at the Sitka academy. The Village Police Officers (VPO) are hired by native corporations, tribes or villages. They could have a variety of training experiences. Often, these VPO jobs are partially funded by legislative grants.

The Troopers are called to rural communities for the serious incidents requiring investigation: murder, suicide, armed robbery/assaults. The VPSO manages order through talk and persuasion. Safety Officers become familiar faces by being involved in their communities, talking at schools, attending councils, and developing a working relationship with tribal elders. It has become more likely that new officers will already be village members. Sergeant Baty is part Tlingit, and understands the extra burden of duty that can place on an officer. Even though a VPSO is only allowed to carry a baton and can of pepper spray, these are insignificant enforcement items when dealing with your own family and neighbors.

Sergeant Baty may also be part bloodhound. Several of his significant "finds" during investigations have been minute drops of blood in suspicious locations. It is attention to details as he follows the trail of clues, and accesses analysis resources, which produce the "magic" of crime solving.