Ep 10. COPS - Alaska
- November 17, 1990
COPS - Alaska takes viewers on a wild ride through the rugged terrain of our northernmost state. This episode features the brave men and women of law enforcement as they work tirelessly to keep the peace in a place where the odds are always stacked against them.
The episode opens with a dramatic high-speed chase through the icy streets of Anchorage. Officers are in hot pursuit of a suspect who has been evading them for several miles. As they close in, the suspect loses control of their vehicle and crashes into a snowbank. The driver is apprehended, and officers search the car for drugs or weapons.
Next, viewers are introduced to Officer Johnson, a seasoned veteran of the Anchorage Police Department. Officer Johnson patrols some of the roughest neighborhoods in the city, where drug use and violent crime are rampant. He works to build relationships with the people in these areas, hoping to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.
We also meet Officer Miller, a member of the Alaska State Troopers. Officer Miller spends most of his days patrolling the highways and rural areas outside of Anchorage, where the dangers are just as real but the resources are much more limited. He responds to a call about a stranded motorist who has been stuck in a snowdrift for several hours. Officer Miller helps the driver get back on the road safely and reminds them of the importance of carrying snow chains and extra supplies during Alaska's long, harsh winters.
Later in the episode, we witness a harrowing rescue mission as officers work to save a group of stranded hikers in the middle of a snowstorm. The hikers, who were attempting to climb one of Alaska's tallest peaks, became lost when the weather turned unexpectedly severe. The search and rescue team braves the elements and uses their expert skills to locate the hikers and bring them to safety.
The final segment of the episode focuses on efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in Alaska. Officers work to apprehend drug dealers and seize large quantities of illegal drugs. They also work to connect addicts with resources and treatment options in an effort to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health.
Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the unique challenges faced by law enforcement in Alaska. They must contend with harsh weather conditions, vast expanses of wilderness, and a culture of self-sufficiency that sometimes makes it difficult to get people the help they need. Despite these challenges, the officers featured in this episode remain committed to protecting and serving their communities. They are an inspiration to us all.