State of Alaska Archives: on Crime
Al Gross:
More funding for tribal & rural public safety
Gross says that tribes and local governments aren't being given adequate resources to combat high rates of crime. "The VPSO program is terribly underfunded and understaffed. And there are many villages that have no public safety officer at all, in any
sense of the word. I support Native sovereignty for public safety issues, and I totally respect the tribal governments' authority. And as a Senator I'd really work hard to support that, but certainly it needs more funding than it's getting now."
Source: KOTZ Radio 720 AM on 2020 Alaska Senate race
Apr 23, 2020
Bill Walker:
More resources to protect against child abuse
I will direct the Departments of Health and Social Services (Office of Children's Services), Public Safety, and Law to work with the Alaska Court System and those resources in the private sector to provide help for both the abused and the abuser, to
prevent further damage, and to provide justice for the abused and punish those harming our children.I support the efforts of faith based programs like Beauty for Ashes, Wellness Warriors and Potters groups and other non-profits like the
South Central Foundation in helping those adults who were abused.
I will work to bring together these diverse resources to help reduce child abuse in Alaska.
Our children are our most precious resources that must be protected, which we will fail to do if we do not have a viable economy now and in the future.
Source: 2014 Governor campaign website, WalkerMallottForAlaska.com
Nov 4, 2014
Bill Walker:
Restore 'Prison Industries' job skills to reduce recidivism
We are looking into bringing back what used to be called Prison Industries. More than 4,700 Alaskans are incarcerated.
I am a firm believer that the best cure for many social ills is a job. We are exploring opportunities to better prepare prisoners for re-entry into society.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Alaska legislature
Jan 21, 2016
Bill Walker:
Need to reduce costs of prison system
The Alaska legislature has before them a criminal justice reform initiative that is the result of collaboration between all three branches of government--legislative, executive and judicial.
It proposes practical reforms to reduce crime and recidivism rates, relieve overcrowding and improve conditions in our prisons. These reforms could save Alaska up to $500 million over the next decade.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Alaska legislature
Jan 21, 2016
Bill Walker:
SB-91: reduce prison population by 20%
Bill summary by Anchorage Daily News, 10/23/2017: SB-91 will reduce the number of people in prison & cut correctional costs without compromising public safety. SB-91 reduces jail as a penalty for most common crimes including reclassifying
drug crimes, with the aim of focusing prison beds on more violent offenders. Similar reforms have been in place in 31 states since 2007. SB-91 has reduced Alaska's prison population by 20% in its first year. State of the State speech by Gov.
Dunleavy, Jan 22, 2019: "Crime is out of control. We will repeal and replace SB 91. A series of bills will not only roll back SB91, but will help Alaska turn the corner to a safer tomorrow. I'm asking our legislators to make public safety a
priority and move forward with due diligence on reviewing and considering this public safety package."
Legislative outcome: Passed House 28-10-2, May 11, 2016; passed Senate 14-5-1, May 13; signed by Gov. Bill Walker, July 11, 2016
Source: Anchorage Daily News on Alaska voting records: SB-91
Jul 11, 2016
Cean Stevens:
More public safety officers & more funding
Q: The number of Alaska State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers is more than necessary, about right, or less than necessary?
A: Less than necessary.
Q: What specific steps would you take to achieve the right level?
A: Obviously, the crime rates are excessive. We rank first in the nation in many categories, especially crimes against the family. This is unacceptable. I believe VPSO's are a bandage on the problem.
We need to insure that public safety is funded at an adequate level to lower these statistics.
Source: Alaska Dispatch News on 2016 Alaska Senate race
Oct 29, 2014
Charlie Huggins:
Oppose leniency for criminals; support protection for victim
Senate Bill 91, represents an abandonment of tough-on-crime programs that called for increasing jail sentences as a deterrent. While it received widespread acclaim, it didn't garner universal support. Two Republicans,
Sen. Bill Stoltze, R-Chugiak, and Sen. Charlie Huggins, R-Wasilla, voted against it. Each man said he felt it came down a little too much on the side of leniency for criminals and not enough on the side of protections for victims.
Source: Juneau Empire on 2018 Alaska gubernatorial race
Apr 12, 2016
Charlie Huggins:
Voted NO on SB-91 (don't reduce prison population)
Bill summary by Anchorage Daily News, 10/23/2017: SB-91 will reduce the number of people in prison & cut correctional costs without compromising public safety. SB-91 reduces jail as a penalty for most common crimes including reclassifying
drug crimes, with the aim of focusing prison beds on more violent offenders. Similar reforms have been in place in 31 states since 2007. SB-91 has reduced Alaska's prison population by 20% in its first year. State of the State speech by Gov.
Dunleavy, Jan 22, 2019: "Crime is out of control. We will repeal and replace SB 91. A series of bills will not only roll back SB91, but will help Alaska turn the corner to a safer tomorrow. I'm asking our legislators to make public safety a
priority and move forward with due diligence on reviewing this public safety package."
Legislative outcome: Passed House 28-10-2, May 11; passed Senate 14-5-1, May 13 (Sen. Huggins voted NAY); signed by Gov. Walker, July 11, 2016
Source: Anchorage Daily News on Alaska voting records: SB-91
May 13, 2016
Christopher Kurka:
We need a justice system where punishment fits the crime
Alaska needs a criminal justice system where punishment fits the crime and victims are protected. Every Alaskan deserves to feel safe and protected in this great State we call home.
As Governor, I will do everything in my power to foster such an environment by fighting for criminal justice reform that ensures criminals have fair consequences for their crimes and victims receive restitution.
Source: 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial campaign website ChrisKurka.com
Feb 23, 2022
Howard Phillips:
Restore US jurisprudence to its Biblical presuppositions
My comprehensive objective is to restore American jurisprudence to its Biblical presuppositions and the Federal government to its Constitutional boundaries. The death
penalty must be fully available to states and localities to deal with murderers and rapists.
Source: Fact Sheet from Alaska Division of Elections, 1996
Nov 11, 1996
Joe Miller:
Supports capital punishment
Q: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes? A: Yes.
Source: Alaska Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Sep 9, 2010
Joe Miller:
Mandatory prison for drugs; reduced prison for non-violence
Q: Do you support programs that provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related training and job-placement assistance when released? A: Yes.
Q: Do you support reduced prison sentences for non-violent offenders?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support mandatory prison sentences for selling illegal drugs?
A: Yes.
Source: Alaska Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Sep 9, 2010
Kelly Tshibaka:
Hold rioters responsible for insurrection, not Trump
Tshibaka told CNN that it was the mob who was responsible for attacking the Capitol on January 6 -- not Trump. "What they did was horrible, and they absolutely need to be held responsible for what they did," she said. Tshibaka added: "I think the
American values are: you're responsible for your own conduct -- and we're independent free-thinking people. I don't think we get a pass to be able to blame other people for our conduct."
Source: WENY News (Elmira NY) on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Mar 30, 2021
Les Gara:
Voted to hire more cops in rural areas without protection
He has voted to help us hire more law enforcement in Anchorage, around the state and in the many rural villages that have no police protection all when someone is in danger.
Clearly, we need stronger law enforcement to fight back against the crime wave.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Jun 16, 2018
Les Gara:
SB-91: reduce prison population by 20%
Summary by Anchorage Daily News, 10/23/17: SB-91 will reduce the number of people in prison & cut correctional costs without compromising public safety. SB-91 reduces jail as a penalty for most common crimes including reclassifying drug
crimes, with the aim of focusing prison beds on more violent offenders. Similar reforms have been in place in 31 states since 2007. SB91 has reduced Alaska's prison population by 20% in its first year.State of the State speech by Gov. Dunleavy,
1/22/19: "Crime is out of control. We will repeal and replace SB91. A series of bills will not only roll back SB91, but will help Alaska turn the corner to a safer tomorrow. I'm asking our legislators to make public safety a priority and move
forward with due diligence on reviewing and considering this public safety package."
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 28-10-2 on 5/11/16; State Rep. Gara voted YES; passed Senate 14-5-1 on 5/13; signed by Gov. Bill Walker 7/11/16
Source: Anchorage Daily News on Alaska voting records: SB-91
May 11, 2016
Mark Begich:
Added $5M and 13 more police to Anchorage budget
Mark Begich is promising more police officers, road upgrades, and property tax relief, all while spending less than city officials expected. It's part of the 2009 proposed budget. The $435 million budget is almost $5 million less than originally
proposed last year, but it's still an increase to last year's budget. $5 million in a $435 million dollar budget accounts for about 1%. While it's a significant amount of money, it's not a significant variation across the scope of the budget.
As the city grows, some say the police force needs to do the same. Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich said, "The taxpayers in this community are willing to pay for those type of services if they get results, and I think that's what we're delivering too."
Begich is delivering a 2009 city budget with 13 more police officers, adding to the city's long-term goal of 93.
Throughout all the changes & adjustments made to the budget, for the past year Begich has repeatedly called for new public safety proposals
Source: 2008 Alaska Senate Debate reported on CBS 11 News
Oct 2, 2008
Mary Peltola:
Gang members on probation must wear electronic monitors
The governor today signed House Bill 133, which requires people who are convicted of violent, gang-related crimes to wear electronic monitoring devices as a condition of their probation. This will allow law enforcement officials to monitor the movement
of violent offenders and supervise their activity.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 36-0-4 on May/5/07; State Rep. Mary Nelson (Peltola) voted YES; passed Senate 20-0-0 on May/12/07.
Source: Governor`s P.R. 07-156, on Alaska Voting Records HB133
May 5, 2007
Mary Peltola:
Collect DNA samples from felons
The governor today signed House Bill 90, the Omnibus Crime Bill, which strengthens laws dealing with violent offenders, sexual predators, prostitution, people who witness a violent crime and fail to report it, and people who have been ordered not to
consume alcohol. The bill also allows police in Alaska to collect a DNA sample from adults arrested for a felony.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-0-0 on May/13/07; passed House 39-1-0 on May/15/07; Rep. Nelson (Peltola) voted YES.
Source: Governor`s P.R. 07-156, on Alaska Voting Records HB90
May 15, 2007
Mary Peltola:
Ensure law enforcement throughout all of Alaska
Crime, including domestic violence and sexual assault, is unaddressed throughout much of our state, where there is little to no law enforcement presence.
Everyone in Alaska, no matter where they live, deserves to get timely help in an emergency. I will fight to ensure federal law enforcement and public safety agencies focus on public safety solutions in all of Alaska.
Source: 2022 Alaska House campaign website MaryPeltola.com
Sep 1, 2022
Mike Chenault:
Was co-signer of mandate requesting prison reform solutions
The legislation created the 13 member Criminal Justice Commission. That new state entity was tasked with recommending reforms to the state's justice system. In 2015, Walker, House Speaker Mike Chenault and Senate President Kevin Meyer gave the
commission a mandate. They signed a letter with 3 other GOP legislative leaders that asked for reform recommendations to hit 3 different budget-cutting targets: averting all future prison growth and cutting the current prison population by 15% or 25 %.
Source: CorrectionsOne.com on 2018 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Oct 24, 2017
Mike Dunleavy:
Let's shut down crime instead of sweeping it under the rug
I want to grow business in the state but there's one business we have to shut down, and it's crime. We have a growing criminal enterprise here that is not just stealing cars--it's stealing cars to do other crimes, it's stealing cars for chop shops and
things like that.The domestic violence, sexual assault issue that we championed when I was lieutenant governor has been kind of swept under the rug and we still have the worst rates in the country.
I've experienced that sort of thing in our family and it's something that happens in many kinds of families and we're not giving it the attention that we need to solve it, and even if that solution takes a generation, like
Mothers Against Drunk Driving did or helping us understand that fetal alcohol syndrome comes if you see a pregnant woman drinking, we have to keep up the heat on that issue. There's not enough federal cooperation on crime.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2018 Alaska gubernatorial race
Aug 16, 2018
Mike Dunleavy:
Attack crime with aggressive response
The explosive growth in violent and property crime that Alaska has experienced in recent years demands an aggressive response.
Alaska now leads the nation in almost every category of crime, making our state the most dangerous in the country.
Source: 2018 AK governor Campaign website AlaskansForDunleavy.com
Sep 1, 2018
Mike Dunleavy:
Repeal SB-91: crime is out of control
Bill summary by Anchorage Daily News, 10/23/2017: SB-91 will reduce the number of people in prison & cut correctional costs without compromising public safety. SB-91 reduces jail as a penalty for most common crimes including reclassifying
drug crimes, with the aim of focusing prison beds on more violent offenders. Similar reforms have been in place in 31 states since 2007. SB-91 has reduced Alaska's prison population by 20% in its first year. State of the State speech by Gov.
Dunleavy, Jan 22, 2019: "Crime is out of control. We will repeal and replace SB 91. A series of bills will not only roll back SB91, but will help Alaska turn the corner to a safer tomorrow. I'm asking our legislators to make public safety a
priority and move forward with due diligence on reviewing and considering this public safety package."
Legislative outcome: Passed House 28-10-2, May 11, 2016; passed Senate 14-5-1, May 13; signed by Gov. Bill Walker, July 11, 2016
Source: Anchorage Daily News on Alaska voting records: SB-91
Jan 22, 2019
Mike Dunleavy:
Declare war on criminals
I'm Governor today because of the campaign promises I made to the people of Alaska. So, here it is:- We're going to declare war on criminals.
- We're going to get our spending in line with our revenue. This has to be done.
- We're going to
protect Alaskans' Permanent Fund dividends.
- We're going to grow our economy and put Alaskans to work.
- And we must restore public trust in government and elected officials.
That's what my plan was last year, and that's my plan now.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 22, 2019
Mike Dunleavy:
The days of catch-and-release are over
First, we addressed the crime wave that held our communities hostage by enacting comprehensive criminal justice reform. As I promised, we repealed and replaced
SB91, removing violent criminals and sexual predators from the streets. The days of catch-and-release are over, and the criminals know it.
Source: 2020 Alaska State of the State address
Jan 27, 2020
Mike Dunleavy:
Ramp up prosecution for sexual crimes and domestic violence
Our work continues with plans to establish a major crimes unit focused on prosecuting felony sex crimes in Western Alaska. For too long, this region of our state has been plagued by unacceptable levels of sexual violence against our most vulnerable.
My budget calls for $7 million to be put toward ramping up the prosecution of those who commit crimes of sexual assault and domestic violence. I've requested that the Legislature fully fund each of our domestic violence and sexual assault programs.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 28, 2021
Mike Dunleavy:
Ending catch-and-release policies has made Alaska safer
Regarding crime, thanks to the repeal of Senate Bill 91, Alaskans are safer today than we have been in decades! Three years ago, I declared war on criminals and asked for the Legislature to repeal and replace the catch-and-release policies in SB 91.
We've seen our overall crime rate decline by 10% in 2019 and another 18.5% in 2020! Never again can we put criminals ahead of victims, or social engineering ahead of public safety.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 25, 2022
Sarah Palin:
We are tough on crime and beefing up law enforcement
In Public Safety and Corrections, after years of positions left vacant, we've doubled academy recruits. We're building public trust by demanding the highest standards of those in public safety. We're implementing realistic plans to deal with overcrowded
prisons, including rehabilitation and work requirements for the 95 percent of inmates who will re-enter society instead of just "warehousing" them. In Law, we are getting tough on criminals with tougher, defensible sentences.
It was a clean sweep for convictions in the Cold Case Unit. Our Civil Division is managing hundreds of legal battles to protect Alaskans' interests. I commend Law for last year's needed, comprehensive ethics bill. In Military and
Veterans Affairs, we certified hundreds of territorial guardsmen, so those who served finally receive their benefits. We are proudly supporting our brave Alaska Guard as they provide daily search and rescue in our State, and support the War on Terror.
Source: 2008 State of the State Address to 25th Alaska Legislature
Jan 15, 2008
Sarah Palin:
Strong public safety presence, via police, courts & prisons
PUBLIC SAFETY: I support adequate funding for a strong public safety presence in Alaska. Feeling safe in our communities is something we cannot accept any compromise on. This includes policing in all its forms, the court system, prosecutors and
corrections. If the legislature passed a death penalty law, I would sign it. We have a right to know that someone who rapes and murders a child or kills an innocent person in a drive by shooting will never be able to do that again.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Register sex offenders; & investigate internet sex crimes
Gov. Palin today signed Senate Bill 265 into law. During the legislative session, several crime bills, including the Governor's crime bill, were rolled into SB 265. SB 265 bars convicted sex offenders from receiving a permanent fund dividend [Alaska stat
tax rebate] if they fail to keep their information current on the state Sex Offender Registry, [among other changes] to the criminal codes."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.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Press release, "Crime Bill"
Jun 5, 2008
Sarah Palin:
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.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Proclamation, "FBI Day"
Jun 12, 2008
Sarah Palin:
Collect DNA samples from felons
The governor today signed House Bill 90, the Omnibus Crime Bill, which strengthens laws dealing with violent offenders, sexual predators, prostitution, people who witness a violent crime and fail to report it, and people who
have been ordered not to consume alcohol. The bill also allows police in Alaska to collect a DNA sample from adults arrested for a felony or a crime against another person.
Source: Governor`s P.R. 07-156, on Alaska Voting Records HB90
Jun 25, 2007
Sarah Palin:
Gang members on probation must wear electronic monitors
The governor today signed House Bill 133, which requires people who are convicted of violent, gang-related crimes to wear electronic monitoring devices as a condition of their probation.
This will allow law enforcement officials to monitor the movement of violent offenders and supervise their activity.
Source: Governor`s P.R. 07-156, on Alaska Voting Records HB133
Jun 25, 2007
Sarah Palin:
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.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Proclamation, "Crime Victims"
Mar 18, 2008
Sarah Palin:
Maximum sentence for first-degree murder by police
Governor Sarah Palin today signed Senate Bill 45, the Sonya Ivanoff Act. SB 45 mandates the maximum sentence for first-degree murder when committed by an on-duty peace officer. 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."
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Press release, "SB45, Sonya"
Apr 27, 2007
Sean Randall Parnell:
Fill public safety officer & trooper vacancies
In 2009, the Department of Public Safety filled more than 24 trooper vacancies and 18 Village Public Safety Officer vacancies.And we are beefing up public safety. We are funding new troopers, new sexual assault investigators, as well as 15 new Village
Public Safety Officers.
We are increasing funding for shelters that provide a safe haven for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. And, we have asked legislators for $75 million for a much-needed new crime lab.
Source: Alaska 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 20, 2010
Sean Randall Parnell:
More enforcement presence via Village Public Safety Officers
Working together, we made Alaska's families safer. Because of the work we've done together, there are 15 more Village Public Safety Officers in communities that had no law enforcement presence. In fact, we went from having 47 filled VPSO positions in
2008 to 86 filled positions now. That means thousands more Alaskans can call for help when they're in danger, and get a timely response. Because of the work we've done together, more Alaskans have access to counseling and suicide prevention services,
and more domestic violence survivors were sheltered and, at last, able to escape their abusers. And, because of the work we've done together, we launched the "Alaskans Choose Respect" initiative. Eighteen communities held "Choose Respect" rallies and
marches to courageously confront the evil of domestic violence and sexual assault. We gave more Alaskans permission to speak up and take action against this epidemic.
Source: 2011 Alaska State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2011
Mike Dunleavy:
For the first time in Alaska history, no actually means no
We did take a major step to protect Alaskans last year when we reformed our outdated consent law. Prior to this bill's passage, under Alaska law, the onus was on the victim to physically resist the perpetrator. As we know, when such crimes are being
committed, physically resisting isn't always possible. And, as all of us know, no should mean no. Now, it does. Now, we have the tools to prosecute these perpetrators. Now, for the first time in Alaska history, no actually means no.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023