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- calendar_today October 25, 2026
Juneau Police Department Achieves ABLE Agency Status
In August 2026, the Juneau Police Department (JPD) became the first and only police department in Alaska to achieve Active Bystandership of Law Enforcement (ABLE) agency status. The ABLE program, developed by Georgetown Law’s Center for Innovations in Community Safety, promotes a culture of peer intervention within police departments to enhance officer accountability and community trust.
Focus on Peer Intervention and Police Accountability
By completing the ABLE program, JPD officers are equipped to recognize situations that could lead to errors or misconduct. The program trains officers to deploy effective peer intervention tactics, which are intended to prevent mistakes and reinforce responsible policing.
JPD Chief Derek Bos highlighted the impact of the training, stating, "I have witnessed firsthand the ABLE program’s success in preventing officers from making mistakes by empowering fellow officers to intervene and support one another. The end result is better services and stronger relationships with our community."
Comprehensive Law Enforcement Training
JPD’s path to ABLE certification began in December 2024 with a rigorous 12- to 18-month application process. After acceptance into the program, three JPD officers undertook 20 hours of instructor training. Subsequently, the entire police department completed an eight-hour scenario-based training course in August 2026, designed to strengthen accountability and proactive intervention skills.
To maintain their ABLE status, JPD officers will complete a refresher course each year, ensuring that the principles of peer support and accountable policing remain ingrained in department culture.
Commitment to Officer Wellness and Support Programs
Beyond peer intervention, JPD has instituted policies and wellness programs to enhance officer well-being. Launched in 2024, the department’s employee wellness initiative offers mental health resources, resiliency training, wellness check-ins, a dedicated peer support team, and other services to both staff and their families. These offerings aim to foster a supportive environment and address the mental health needs common to law enforcement work.
Empowering Officers to Support Each Other
Chief Bos emphasized the value of empowering staff through training and wellness programs. "By empowering officers, and professional staff, to engage with each other when they see a colleague who may be struggling, we are better able to support our team," he said. The ABLE program not only encourages officers to speak up when concerns arise, but also educates them on accepting and responding positively to peer intervention for improved service delivery.
Sustaining Community Safety Initiatives
Building on these initiatives, the Juneau Police Department continues to focus on strengthening peer intervention practices, maintaining high standards for police accountability, and supporting officer wellness. Participation in the ABLE program reflects JPD’s ongoing efforts to enhance law enforcement training and promote community safety in Alaska.
Source: juneauempire.com.
