Public Safety Commission Draft Proposal
Submitted by Alaska Coalition for Justice
Executive Summary
The Alaska Coalition for Justice (ACJ) proposes the creation of an independent, adjudicatory Public Safety Commission (PSC) to bridge critical gaps in the relationship between the community and the Municipality of Anchorage. This commission addresses the fundamental trust deficit that has historically existed between the community and law enforcement by establishing mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and direct community collaboration.
The PSC will operate as an independent, fully-funded municipal commission with direct investigative authority and subpoena power, serving as a transparent oversight body that strengthens community trust while promoting continuous improvement in police practices and standards. The proposal aligns with the eight key principles established by the National Association of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) and addresses the systemic failures that led to the termination of the previous Public Safety Advisory Commission in January 2024.
Background and Historical Context
The Ineffective Public Safety Advisory Commission For nearly three decades, the Municipality of Anchorage maintained a Public Safety Advisory Commission (PSAC) that, despite good intentions, ultimately failed to fulfill its promise to the community. The commission's termination in January 2024 marked the end of a structure that was fundamentally limited by its purely advisory nature—a limitation that rendered it ineffective and vulnerable to political interference.
The 2023 Sunset Audit painted a stark picture of the commission's decline. From January 2022 through July 2023, PSAC met only three times, produced no reports or resolutions, and maintained such poor records that auditors could not even verify whether basic attendance requirements were met. Meeting minutes from 2022 and 2023 were either missing entirely or remained unapproved. This administrative breakdown was not merely bureaucratic failure—it was symptomatic of a body with no real authority and no accountability mechanisms to ensure its work mattered.
Understanding Why PSAC Failed: Insights from Those Who Served To better understand the root causes of PSAC's failure, the Alaska Coalition of Justice interviewed a former PSAC member who served for approximately two years. This interview revealed that the commission's problems extended far beyond what appeared in audit reports—they were fundamental flaws inherent in a purely advisory structure without enforcement authority or meaningful accountability mechanisms.
The former member's experience illuminated multiple structural failures:
Minimized Documentation: Administrative staff systematically recorded only minimal information during meeting minutes, failing to capture public testimony, questions, or recommendations. Commission members had to actively advocate for basic items to be documented, yet critical discussions and public input were still omitted from the record.
Political Vulnerability: Changes in mayoral administration led to commission members being removed through administrative loopholes, despite terms that were intended to last three years. The former member was appointed under one mayor and promptly removed after a new mayor took office. This political interference undermined the commission's independence and made it subject to the preferences of whoever held executive office.
Ignored Recommendations: Even unanimous commission votes carried no weight. The commission could make recommendations and vote on proposals, but departments and administration had no obligation to implement or even acknowledge or respond to them. The advisory-only status meant that even consensus recommendations could be completely disregarded.
Administrative Neglect: Basic operational requirements were ignored. Bylaws weren't followed, meetings weren't properly scheduled, technology access was inconsistent, and proposed bylaw amendments were dismissed. The administrative infrastructure was so deficient that it needed to be completely overhauled, yet efforts to improve it were blocked.
The commission consistently operated with incomplete membership—only six members instead of the required nine—and experienced constant turnover in APD representation, which prevented any meaningful continuity or institutional knowledge from developing.
The Cost of Advisory-Only Status An advisory-only structure created a body that could be safely ignored. Important discussions occurred and community members called in with concerns, but these conversations were not adequately recorded and led to no concrete action. When commission members attempted to expand public engagement—including moving public comment earlier in meetings and creating accessible community forums—these efforts existed in a vacuum without institutional support or follow-through.
Most critically, the commission never reviewed any incidents involving excessive use of force by officers and had no capacity to investigate concerns—despite oversight being precisely what community concerns reflected. The lack of investigative authority meant that even when serious issues were raised, the commission had no mechanism to examine them thoroughly or ensure accountability.
Community Trust Eroded The August 2025 community workshop and subsequent October sessions have identified rebuilding trust as a central public safety need. Yet the prior structure of the PSAC actively damaged that trust. Community members who gave their time to serve were devalued. Alaska Native women who brought critical cultural expertise were dismissed. Members of the public who attended meetings and provided testimony saw their concerns minimized or omitted from the record entirely. The commission became a symbol not of accountability, but of the municipality's unwillingness to empower genuine community-led oversight.
Why Advisory Status Failed The purely advisory model failed because it lacked:
Authority: No ability to require responses, ensure implementation, or hold systems accountable
Resources: No investigative capacity or independent staff support
Documentation: No requirement for departments to meaningfully record or respond to recommendations
Consequences: No mechanism to address non-compliance or continued dysfunction
Stability: Terms could be cut short through administrative maneuvering, preventing long-term strategic work
The Path Forward: From Advisory to Empowered This proposal reimagines public safety oversight not as advisory, but as an empowered Public Safety Commission with defined authority, protected independence, adequate resources and staffing, and the capacity to truly bridge system and community needs. Only through structural authority, not good intentions, can we rebuild the trust that purely advisory bodies have eroded.
Commission Purpose and Mission
The Public Safety Commission will operate as an independent, fully-funded municipal commission with direct investigative authority and subpoena power. The commission will serve as a transparent, accountable oversight body that strengthens community trust while promoting continuous improvement in police practices and standards.
The most important gap between the community and the Anchorage Police Department has been historically and remains an abiding trust issue. The solution to the trust gap is increased transparency and accountability to and direct collaboration with the community by APD.
The ACJ proposal will create mechanisms for greater transparency and accountability as well as an ongoing forum for improving understanding and trust between the community and APD. In addition to improved community-police relations, the proposal creates a strong collaborative approach to ongoing improvement in APD policies and practices. Among other benefits, these improvements will enhance the recruitment and retention of high-quality officer candidates.
Scope and Authority
Role in Gathering Community Input and Sharing Findings The PSC will serve as a critical bridge between the community and municipal government by:
Receiving and reviewing community complaints against law enforcement and initiating independent investigations
Conducting follow-up investigations to state-level and internal police department investigations to ensure thoroughness and accountability
Subpoena power to access testimony and evidence for investigative purposes
Issuing comprehensive Reports of Investigation (ROI) with findings, conclusions, and policy recommendations
Engaging in community support and outreach initiatives to build trust and understanding
Role in Receiving Directives from the Municipality The PSC will respond to municipal directives by:
Researching specific areas of concern identified by the assembly or administration
Developing evidence-based recommendations grounded in best practices and community input
Advising the administration and assembly on best practices in law enforcement as part of a continuing improvement mandate
Reviewing and assessing police training curricula, recruitment practices, and departmental policies with authority to provide input and recommendations
Role in Providing Transparent Reporting The PSC will ensure accountability through:
Public quarterly reporting on investigations, findings, and recommendations
Annual comprehensive reports on police standards and community relations
Developing and issuing policy change recommendations to the police department and municipal assembly, with authority to monitor implementation
Areas to be overseen by the Public Safety Commission:
Safe Public Spaces
Safety and accessibility of parks, trails, downtown areas, and family spaces
Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement
Police accountability and transparency
Community-police relations and trust-building
Balanced approaches to enforcement and community needs
Houselessness and Encampments
Visibility and management of encampments
Effects on parks, trails, and neighborhoods
Pathways to housing and services
Substance Use and Mental Health
Expansion of Mental health crisis response services
Harm reduction strategies
Access to recovery and support services
Root Causes and Systemic Prevention
Poverty and economic inequality
Affordable housing availability
Education and workforce development
Community support systems and social services
Long-term prevention strategies
Commission Structure
Establishment The PSC is established as an independent adjudicatory body with investigative authority under the legislative branch of the municipality.
Membership Composition .
9 community members confirmed by the Anchorage Assembly (eligibility criteria to be determined through a transparent process that ensures diverse representation)
Commission Support
3 paid professional staff members with investigative expertise who will provide continuity, technical capacity, and professional investigative skills. In order for the commission to be effective, adequate resources and staff time must be allocated to support the commission.
Appointment Process
[To be developed alongside the municipality with community input to ensure a fair, transparent process that ensures diverse community representation]
Key considerations for the appointment process should include:
Staggered terms to ensure continuity
Clear eligibility criteria that prioritize community connection and independence from law enforcement
Representation from communities most impacted by policing practices
Transparent nomination and confirmation procedures
Term Lengths and Limits
[Term lengths and limits per existing code]
Roles and Responsibilities
Commission Duties The Public Safety Commission will fulfill the following core duties:
Investigation Authority
Receive and review community complaints against law enforcement
Authority to initiate independent investigations of complaints and incidents
Conduct follow-up investigations to state-level investigations (e.g., Office of Special Prosecutions)
Conduct follow-up investigations to internal police department investigations
Subpoena power to access testimony and evidence from all relevant parties
Issue comprehensive Reports of Investigation (ROI) with findings, conclusions, and recommendations
Policy Development and Monitoring
Develop and issue policy change recommendations to police department, fire department and assembly
Monitor implementation of recommended policy changes
Review and provide input on police policies and procedures
Law Enforcement Best Practices
Advise the administration and assembly on best practices in law enforcement
Continuing improvement mandate to identify and promote excellence in policing
Training and Recruitment Oversight
Review and assess police training curricula and methods
Review recruitment practices and standards
Provide input and recommendations on training and recruitment policies
Transparent Public Reporting
Public quarterly reporting on investigations, findings, and recommendations
Annual comprehensive report on police standards and community relations
Community Engagement
Community support and outreach initiatives
Public forums and listening sessions
Accessible complaint processes
Building trust through transparency and accountability
Member Expectations Commission members are expected to:
Attend regular meetings and participate actively in commission work
Approach investigations and policy work with objectivity and commitment to evidence-based conclusions
Engage respectfully with all stakeholders, including community members, law enforcement, and municipal officials
Maintain confidentiality when required during ongoing investigations
Participate in community outreach and public education efforts
Complete training on investigation procedures, civil rights law, and police standards
Declare conflicts of interest and recuse themselves when appropriate
Commit to the full term of service to ensure continuity
Staff Support The PSC will be fully funded by the municipality with adequate resources including:
3 professional staff positions (investigators/analysts) with experience in law enforcement oversight, investigation, or related fields
Administrative support for meeting coordination, record-keeping, and public communications
Budget for training, technology, and operational needs including:
Investigation tools and case management systems
Training for commission members and staff
Public engagement and communication resources
Office space and equipment
Operational Guidelines
Meeting Frequency and Procedures
Regular monthly meetings open to the public
Special meetings as needed for urgent matters or investigation reviews
Executive sessions when necessary to protect confidential investigation information
Clear agendas published in advance with opportunities for public input
Comprehensive minutes that capture discussions, recommendations, and public testimony
Quorum Requirements
A quorum of [to be determined] members required for official business
Voting procedures that ensure transparency and accountability
Public Participation
Public comment period at every meeting
Accessible complaint submission process (online, phone, in-person)
Regular community forums in diverse neighborhoods
Translation and interpretation services to ensure accessibility
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Multiple channels for community input and feedback
Document Access and Authority The PSC will have:
Full access to all information, evidence, police records, and personnel
Subpoena power to access testimony from police officers, staff, and witnesses
Ample authority to conduct thorough investigations (NACOLE principle)
Independent operational authority free from police department or mayoral interference
Budget and Resources The budget must be sufficient to ensure the commission can fulfill its mandate without dependence on the police department or vulnerability to political budget manipulation. The commission will be fully funded by the municipality with a budget adequate to support:
3 full-time professional staff positions with competitive salaries
Administrative and legal support
Investigation tools, technology, and case management systems
Training and professional development
Community outreach and public education
Office space, equipment, and operational expenses
Independent operational authority (NACOLE principle)
Implementation Timeline
[To be developed with specific milestones including:]
Municipal code amendments to establish the commission
Development of detailed bylaws and operating procedures
Appointment process and member selection
Staff recruitment and hiring
Training for commission members and staff
Development of complaint intake and investigation procedures
Launch of public education and outreach campaign
First commission meeting and operational commencement
Expected Outcomes and Success Metrics
Rebuilding Community Trust The establishment of an independent Public Safety Commission represents a significant step forward in community-police relations. By providing transparent oversight, thorough investigations, and evidence-based policy recommendations, the PSC will strengthen accountability while supporting officers who serve with integrity and professionalism.
Success Metrics The commission's effectiveness will be measured through:
Community trust indicators: Survey data on public confidence in police accountability
Investigation metrics: Number of complaints received, investigated, and resolved
Policy impact: Number of recommendations made and implemented
Transparency measures: Timely publication of quarterly and annual reports
Community engagement: Participation rates in community forums and public meetings
Systemic improvement: Trends in use-of-force incidents, complaints, and community satisfaction
Long-term Benefits This enhanced oversight structure will:
Improve public confidence in law enforcement accountability
Support officer morale through fair and credible review processes
Create clear pathways for continuous improvement in policing practices
Strengthen recruitment and retention of high-quality officers
Build a stronger, more trusted police department better equipped to serve and protect all members of the Anchorage community
Appendices