Press releases & proclamations from the Alaska Governor's Office: on Crime

Maximum sentence for first-degree murder by police

Sonya Ivanoff, 19, was murdered in 2003, by a Nome Police officer. Matthew Owens was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. His case is currently on appeal.

Governor Palin was joined at the bill signing ceremony by Sonya’s parents and siblings. “The inappropriate actions of Matthew Owens cloud the focus and the image of our brave men and women whom have all sworn to protect and serve,” said Governor Palin. “We must work with all our communities in a trusting partnership to ensure that every citizen feels safe, and is treated fairly and with respect.”

Victims’ rights are critical to “justice for all”

• WHEREAS, Alaska has made great strides in ensuring crime victims are treated with dignity and respect. Victims’ rights are a critical component of the promise of “justice for all,” the foundation for America’s justice system.
• WHEREAS, crime victims in Alaska have protections and guaranties under the Alaska State Constitution, but we must do better to strive to protect, expand, and observe crime victims’ rights so that there truly is justice for victims and justice for all.
• NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim April 13-19, 2008, as Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Alaska, and reaffirm this state’s commitment to strive to reach the goal of justice for all by ensuring that all victims are afforded their legal rights and provided with assistance as they face the financial, physical, and psychological impact of crime.

Register sex offenders; & investigate internet sex crimes

“I thank legislators who helped craft this comprehensive approach to strengthening public safety,” Governor Palin said. “These are good steps toward sound public safety policy. We must continue to meet the needs of law enforcement and the judicial system to keep our citizens safe.” Senate Bill 265 also:

• Makes a third offense for bootlegging within 15 years a class C felony.
• Allows the state to pursue court-ordered restitution from anyone convicted of unlawfully taking game.
• Funds a special investigator, prosecutor and computer technician to detect and prosecute internet sex crimes.

Establish “FBI Day” to support fighting global crime

• WHEREAS, the FBI commemorates its 100th anniversary this month;
• WHEREAS, the FBI’s mission is to defend America from global terrorism and global crime, while at all times upholding our civil liberties;
• WHEREAS, thanks to the rise of globalization, crime and terrorism can cross international boundaries with a single keystroke;
• WHEREAS, the FBI is not just facing kidnapers, gangsters, and thieves--it is facing terrorists, spies, hackers, violent gangs international organized crime syndicates, corrupt corporations, and public officials and those who traffic in weapons, narcotics, and even human beings;
• WHEREAS, the FBI has more than 90 dedicated FBI agents and professional support employees who serve in Alaska.
• NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2008, as FBI Day in Alaska, and encourage Alaskans to wish the FBI a happy 100 year anniversary.