Alaska State Troopers

National Geographic Channel gained rare access to this elite law enforcement agency for the new series Alaska State Troopers. Filmed over 10 months, the series captures a mixture of raw nature and criminal activity throughout the Alaskan wilderness and its remote villages. Follow state troopers from two divisions within the storied organization: the “blue shirt” Alaska State Troopers, who police the towns and villages, as well as the “brown shirt” Alaska Wildlife Troopers, who enforce fish and game regulations for both commercial and sport activities.

In a state where just about every resident is armed, any scenario a trooper confronts could be fatal. Wildlife Trooper Sgt. Scott Quist explains what it’s like approaching hunters: “One thing that’s a little bit different about our version of law enforcement is that when we go on patrol, when we contact people we know a few things. We know that they will have guns, they will have knives, and they’ll know how to use them.”

Whether performing search and rescue missions on a frozen river or arresting a snowmobiler for a DUI, the challenges an Alaska State Troopers faces are diverse, but one thing is for sure — these are not your average cops. (Source: National Geographic Channel)