Arrest records are public documents in Juneau, Alaska, pursuant to the Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.110-40.25.125). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and ensures accountability within the criminal justice system.
Under Alaska Statute § 40.25.110(a), "public records of all public agencies are open to inspection by the public during regular office hours." This provision extends to arrest records maintained by the Juneau Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within the City and Borough of Juneau. Citizens and organizations may request these records in accordance with established procedures and applicable fees as determined by municipal ordinance.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy as defined in AS 40.25.120. These exceptions are narrowly construed to favor public access in accordance with the legislative intent of the Alaska Public Records Act.
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Juneau, with both in-person and digital options available to members of the public. The following official channels provide authorized access to arrest documentation:
Juneau Police Department Records Division
155 South Seward Street
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-0600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Juneau Police Department
Alaska Department of Public Safety
Records and Identification Bureau
5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
(907) 269-5767
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Alaska Court System - Juneau Courthouse
709 West 9th Street
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 463-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Alaska Court System
Requestors may utilize the Alaska Court System's online case search to locate case information related to arrests. This system, known as CourtView, provides access to public court records including criminal cases resulting from arrests in Juneau. Users should note that pursuant to Administrative Rule 37.8, certain case types may be restricted from public view.
For comprehensive arrest record searches, individuals may submit a formal records request to the Juneau Police Department either in person or through their online portal. Requests must include sufficient identifying information to locate the specific records sought, and fees may apply in accordance with the department's established fee schedule.
Standard arrest records maintained by Juneau law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as required by Alaska Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 68. These records typically include:
Arrest records may also contain narrative reports detailing the circumstances of the arrest, though portions may be redacted if they contain sensitive investigative information or personal identifying information of witnesses or victims as protected under AS 40.25.120(a)(6).
The Alaska Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository for criminal history information, including arrest data from Juneau and other municipalities throughout the state. This centralized system ensures standardized record-keeping practices in compliance with state and federal regulations.
The maintenance and dissemination of arrest records in Juneau operate within a comprehensive legal framework established by state statute and municipal ordinance. Alaska Statute § 12.62.160 governs the collection, storage, and release of criminal justice information, including arrest data. This statute works in conjunction with the Alaska Public Records Act to balance public access rights with privacy protections.
The City and Borough of Juneau Municipal Code § 01.70 further delineates local policies regarding public records access, including arrest documentation. These provisions establish:
Alaska Administrative Rule 37.5 establishes standards for public access to court records, including those related to criminal proceedings stemming from arrests. This rule specifies which information remains accessible and which elements may be restricted from public view.
Federal regulations, including those promulgated under the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy, impose additional requirements on the handling of arrest data, particularly when such information is entered into national databases such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
The process of expungement, through which arrest records may be sealed or removed from public access, is governed by Alaska Statute § 12.62.180. Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Juneau must meet specific statutory criteria and follow established procedural requirements.
Eligibility for expungement generally extends to:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Alaska Superior Court in Juneau. Pursuant to Alaska Criminal Rule 60, petitioners must provide:
The court conducts a review of the petition, including consultation with the prosecuting authority. If the petition is granted, an order is issued directing all relevant agencies to seal the specified records. Once sealed, these records are removed from public access and excluded from background checks conducted for non-law enforcement purposes.
It should be noted that even expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for legitimate criminal justice purposes as permitted under AS 12.62.180(d).
Juvenile arrest records in Juneau are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Alaska Statute § 47.12.300. Unlike adult arrest records, juvenile records are presumptively confidential and not available for public inspection except under limited circumstances.
Access to juvenile arrest records is restricted to:
Requests for juvenile arrest records must be submitted to the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice or through the court system with appropriate documentation establishing the requestor's legal right to access such information. Unauthorized disclosure of juvenile records constitutes a violation of state law and may result in civil penalties.
Upon reaching age 18, individuals may petition for the sealing of juvenile arrest records under procedures established in AS 47.12.300(f). The court may grant such petitions upon finding that the individual has been rehabilitated and that sealing the record serves the best interest of the person and the public.