Alaska Arrest Records

Is Alaska an Open Arrest Records State?

Alaska is considered an open arrest records state pursuant to Alaska Statute § 40.25.110, which establishes the public's right to access government records. This designation means that arrest records, which are documents created by law enforcement agencies following the apprehension of an individual, are accessible to members of the public with certain statutory limitations. The transparency is part of Alaska's commitment to open government principles as outlined in the Alaska Public Records Act, ensuring that citizens have the ability to obtain information that impacts their communities and personal safety.

The availability of these records supports public safety initiatives, community awareness, and governmental accountability. Under Alaska law, most arrest records are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Alaska Department of Public Safety maintains these records in accordance with AS § 12.62, which governs criminal justice information systems in the state.

How to Look Up Alaska Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Alaska arrest records, individuals have several options available as of 2025. The Alaska Department of Public Safety has established multiple channels through which the public may access these records:

Online Access: The Alaska Court System provides electronic access to court records through their CourtView system, which includes information about arrests that resulted in court proceedings.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit local law enforcement agencies during standard business hours to request arrest record information. Proper identification is required.
Alaska State Troopers: Records may be requested from the Records and Identification Bureau. Alaska Department of Public Safety
5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
(907) 269-5511
Alaska Department of Public Safety
Municipal Courts: Records related to arrests processed through municipal courts can be accessed at the respective courthouse. Anchorage Municipal Court
825 W 4th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 343-4130
Anchorage Municipal Court
Written Requests: Pursuant to AS § 40.25.120, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the appropriate agency. Requests must include sufficient information to identify the records sought.

Contents of an Alaska Arrest Record

Alaska arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by the Alaska Criminal Justice Information Systems regulations. These records typically include:

Personal Identifiers: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and photographic image (mugshot) of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest, including the jurisdiction in which the arrest occurred.
Charging Information: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation to the Alaska Statutes or Municipal Codes, and the classification of each offense (felony or misdemeanor).
Law Enforcement Agency: The name and jurisdiction of the agency that executed the arrest, including the identification number of the arresting officer(s).
Booking Information: Details regarding the processing of the individual, including fingerprinting and detention facility information.
Case Disposition: When available, information regarding the resolution of charges, including dismissals, convictions, or acquittals.

It should be noted that pursuant to AS § 12.62.160(b)(8), certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including social security numbers, medical information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.

Understanding the Alaska Open Records Act

The Alaska Open Records Act, codified in AS § 40.25.110-40.25.220, establishes the framework for public access to government records in the state. This comprehensive legislation encompasses all records produced, maintained, or in the possession of public agencies, including arrest records maintained by law enforcement entities.

The Act operates under the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. Key provisions of the Act include:

Broad Definition of Public Records: Under AS § 40.25.220(3), "public records" includes books, papers, files, accounts, writings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic information, and other documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics.
Reasonable Access Requirements: AS § 40.25.110(a) requires public agencies to provide reasonable access to records during regular business hours.
Response Timeframes: Agencies must respond to records requests within 10 working days, as specified in AS § 40.25.120.
Fee Structure: AS § 40.25.110(c) permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search and duplication services, but not for inspection of records.
Exemptions: AS § 40.25.120 outlines specific categories of records that may be withheld from public disclosure, including certain law enforcement records that could compromise ongoing investigations.

The purpose of the law is to promote transparency and accountability within governmental operations while balancing privacy interests and law enforcement needs. By allowing citizens to access these records, the act ensures that governmental activities remain open for public observation and scrutiny, consistent with democratic principles.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Alaska

Expungement of arrest records in Alaska is governed by AS § 12.62.180, which provides a mechanism for individuals to petition for the removal of arrest information from public records under specific circumstances. The process is administered by the Alaska Department of Public Safety and requires adherence to strict statutory criteria:

Eligibility Criteria:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
- Arrests not resulting in charges being filed within one year
- Convictions that have been set aside or pardoned
- Juvenile records, subject to the provisions of AS § 47.12.300
Application Process:
- Submission of a formal petition to the Department of Public Safety
- Payment of the prescribed application fee ($150 as of 2025)
- Provision of fingerprints for positive identification
- Documentation supporting the grounds for expungement
Judicial Review:
- For contested cases, a hearing before the Superior Court may be required
- The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right to information against the individual's privacy interests
- Determinations are made pursuant to the standards established in AS § 12.62.180(d)

It is important to note that even when records are expunged from public access, they may still be maintained for law enforcement purposes and may be accessible to criminal justice agencies under limited circumstances as specified in AS § 12.62.160(b).

How to Find Local Arrests in Alaska?

Local arrests in Alaska can be identified through several official channels maintained by municipal and state authorities. Members of the public seeking information about recent arrests within specific jurisdictions may utilize the following resources:

Municipal Police Departments: Local law enforcement agencies maintain daily arrest logs that are available for public inspection. Anchorage Police Department
716 W 4th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 786-8500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Anchorage Police Department
Alaska State Troopers Dispatch Logs: The Department of Public Safety publishes daily dispatch reports that include arrest information for areas under state jurisdiction.
Borough and City Jails: Detention facilities maintain rosters of current inmates that can be accessed by the public. Fairbanks Correctional Center
1400 Gillam Way
Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 458-6700
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Court Calendars: Daily arraignment schedules are posted at courthouses and often available online through the Alaska Court System.
Public Information Requests: Formal requests may be submitted to law enforcement agencies under the provisions of AS § 40.25.110 for specific arrest information not readily available through other means.

Pursuant to AS § 12.62.160(a), basic information about arrests, including the name of the person arrested, the date of arrest, and the offense charged, is considered public information and must be made available within a reasonable time of the request unless disclosure would interfere with an ongoing investigation.

Search Arrest Records in Alaska

Counties

Anchorage Municipality Bethel Census Area Juneau City and Borough