There’s a certain grim fascination in watching rookie cops attempt to maintain order in the vast, unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. A&E’s “Alaska PD” returns with a new episode, “Making It In Alaska,” and it looks set to deliver another dose of frosty justice.
This week’s episode centers on two rookies: Trevor Norris, a fresh-faced recruit learning the ropes in Fairbanks, and Stefanie Jones, a 46-year-old rookie patrolling Kotzebue. Norris embodies the wide-eyed optimism (or perhaps naiveté) often seen in new officers, while Jones represents a career change, bringing a different set of life experiences to the job. The contrast between their approaches and how they handle the pressures of Alaskan policing should be interesting.
The episode aims to highlight the unique challenges faced by law enforcement in Alaska. Enforcing laws in remote towns, dealing with wildlife encounters, and tackling the sheer scale of the Alaskan landscape are just some of the obstacles these rookies must overcome. Oh, and did I mention the ever-present chill in the air?
Because that’s there too. The show is likely to remind us that in a state where firearms are as common as flannel shirts, officers often find themselves working solo, facing situations that would make even seasoned veterans consider a career in accounting.
The physical and mental demands of police work in this setting are clearly substantial. We will see how these rookies handle the pressure cooker of Alaskan law enforcement. The producers clearly hope that the combination of rookie jitters and Alaskan extremes will keep viewers entertained. Personally, I’m more interested in how long it takes before one of them utters the phrase “Alaskan-sized justice.”
“Alaska PD: Making It In Alaska” airs Thursday, November 21st at 9:00 PM on A&E.
