Starved for recruits, Alaska police pin blame on retirement system

They’re battling an opioid epidemic, rising crime, slashed budgets and thinned ranks.

Now, they’re fighting the state’s retirement system, too.

Across the state, troopers, police and firefighters say Alaska’s retirement system is crippling their ability to recruit and retain new employees, leaving gaping holes in their ranks. Now, they’re urging the state to take action and warning of consequences if nothing is done.

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The No. 1 thing hampering retention is the state’s 401(k)-style retirement system.

In Fairbanks, an analysis concluded: “Most senior staff interviewed view the current Tier IV retirement offered to new hires by the SOA’s Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) as a poor incentive to help retain staff.”

“Retention of our people in the Tier IV is minimal because they want to have the security of a defined benefit package,” Brinke said.

Read more: https://www.juneauempire.com/news/starved-for-recruits-alaska-police-pin-blame-on-retirement-system/