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Anchorage Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Anchorage, Alaska?

Arrest records are public in Anchorage, Alaska pursuant to the Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.110-40.25.125). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Alaska Public Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within the municipality.

The Alaska Department of Public Safety maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public may request arrest records through designated channels established by municipal and state authorities. Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist for records involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in AS 40.25.120.

How to Look Up Anchorage Arrest Records in 2025

The Municipality of Anchorage provides multiple avenues through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:

In-person requests at the Anchorage Police Department Records Division located at 716 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (907) 786-8900.
Written requests submitted to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, Records and Identification Section at 5700 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507. Telephone: (907) 269-5767.
Online access through the Alaska Court System's CourtView portal, which provides case information for matters processed through the state court system.
Requests for criminal background checks through the Department of Public Safety, which may include arrest information.

Requestors must provide specific information including the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to AS 40.25.110(c), agencies may charge reasonable fees for search and duplication services. Current fee schedules are available at each respective agency's office or website.

Contents of an Anchorage Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Anchorage Police Department and the Alaska Department of Public Safety contain specific categories of information as mandated by Alaska Administrative Code 13 AAC 68.110. These records typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address at time of arrest
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Arresting agency and officer identification information
Case or incident report number
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Fingerprint classification data
Detention facility information
Court docket number (if formally charged)
Bail or bond information, including amount and conditions
Preliminary hearing date (if applicable)

Pursuant to Alaska Administrative Code 13 AAC 68.315, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information pertaining to confidential informants or victims of certain offenses.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Anchorage is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public transparency with individual privacy rights. The following statutes and regulations establish the parameters for public access:

Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.110-40.25.125) establishes the fundamental right of access to government records, including those related to arrests.
Alaska Criminal Rules of Procedure, specifically Rule 37, addresses the handling of records in criminal proceedings.
Municipal Code of Anchorage § 3.90 provides additional local regulations regarding public access to municipal records, including those maintained by the Anchorage Police Department.
Federal regulations, including 28 CFR § 20, establish guidelines for the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information.

Government agencies are required to respond to records requests within 10 working days pursuant to AS 40.25.110(c). Denials of access must cite specific statutory exemptions and may be appealed through administrative or judicial channels as provided in AS 40.25.124.

Limitations on Access to Certain Arrest Records

Notwithstanding the general presumption of public accessibility, certain categories of arrest records are subject to restricted access under Alaska law. The following limitations apply to arrest records in Anchorage:

Juvenile arrest records are confidential pursuant to AS 47.12.300, except under specific circumstances outlined in the statute.
Records pertaining to domestic violence or sexual offenses may have victim information redacted in accordance with AS 18.65.540.
Arrests that did not result in charges or convictions may be subject to restricted access after specified time periods pursuant to AS 12.62.180.
Records sealed by court order following successful completion of deferred prosecution agreements as provided in AS 12.55.078.
Information related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under AS 40.25.120(a)(6) if disclosure would prejudice the investigation.

The Alaska Court System and Department of Public Safety maintain detailed guidelines regarding these restrictions, which are available for public review at their respective offices.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Anchorage

The State of Alaska provides limited mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of records through the following processes:

Pursuant to AS 12.62.180, individuals may request the sealing of records pertaining to arrests that did not result in charges or convictions after one year from the date of arrest.
Court Rule 40(a)(3) allows for the sealing of records in cases where charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal.
AS 12.55.085 provides for the set-aside of convictions following successful completion of probation under certain circumstances, which may affect the accessibility of related arrest records.

The petition process requires filing appropriate documentation with the Alaska Court System that originally handled the case. Petitioners must provide comprehensive information regarding the arrest, subsequent proceedings, and grounds for expungement or sealing. The court reviews each petition on its individual merits, considering factors including the nature of the alleged offense, time elapsed, and the petitioner's subsequent record.

Successful expungement does not result in the physical destruction of records but rather restricts their accessibility to the general public. Law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities may retain access to expunged records for official purposes as specified in AS 12.62.160.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records maintained by Anchorage authorities serve as components of comprehensive background checks conducted for employment, housing, and licensing purposes. The following regulations govern the use of such records:

The Alaska Criminal Justice Information Systems Act (AS 12.62) establishes parameters for the dissemination and use of criminal justice information, including arrest records.
AS 12.62.160 specifies authorized recipients of criminal justice information and permissible uses.
Municipal Code of Anchorage § 5.20 provides additional regulations regarding background checks for certain municipal licenses and permits.

Employers and other entities requesting background checks must comply with applicable federal regulations, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.), which requires disclosure to and consent from the subject of the background check.

The Alaska Department of Public Safety provides official background check services, including fingerprint-based checks that incorporate arrest record information. Fees for these services are established pursuant to AS 12.62.160(d).