Mayor LaFrance provides update on public safety initiatives and enforcement successes

Today, Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, Anchorage Police Department Chief Sean Case, and Anchorage Fire Department Assistant Chief Ben Lewis gave a comprehensive update on the Municipality's ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, increase accountability, and provide critical crisis resources to residents.

The update highlighted significant progress in addressing retail theft and the enforcement of new local ordinances to improve community well-being and make public spaces safer, more accessible and welcoming for all.

Crackdown on retail theft

Since APD launched its retail theft detail in September, this targeted initiative has led to 480 investigated cases representing $286,408 in retail loss and a substantial number of arrests and prosecutions:

• 259 arrests or warrants issued, and 503 total charges.
• 231 prosecuted cases, representing $153,999 in retail loss.

Earlier this month, retail theft enforcement resulted in the arrest of a man with an outstanding warrant charged in a hit-and-run crash into a downtown restaurant storefront last year.

"Retail theft impacts our local economy, our small businesses and the safety of our community," said Mayor LaFrance. "These numbers reflect our commitment to ensuring that those who target our business community face real consequences."

"The Anchorage Police Department is focused on retail theft because it is often at the heart of broader criminal activity," said Chief Sean Case. "Stopping theft at its source plays a key role in reducing crime throughout the community. By targeting repeat offenders, we are sending a clear message that property crime will not be tolerated."

Addressing public space violations

This spring, APD began enforcement of Mayor LaFrance's ordinance prohibiting certain nuisance and threatening behaviors in public spaces, including harassment, public indecency and public intoxication. Between April 8 and May 25, APD's downtown foot patrol detail made 1,832 total contacts, utilizing a compliance-first approach to restore safety to public spaces. Results include:

• 1,048 instances of voluntary compliance by individuals.
• 152 transports to supportive care, including the Anchorage Safety Patrol.
• 40 individuals successfully connected to and accepting services.
• 34 arrests made for non-compliance or dangerous behavior.
• 23 outstanding warrants served.
• 14 citations issued.

Enforcing camping and fire ordinances

Anchorage police continue to enforce two ordinances implementing criminal penalties to improve fire safety and reduce unsafe camping. The LaFrance administration continues to lead with outreach, crisis care and connection to services, prioritizing a compliance-first approach.

Since the fire ordinance was enacted last year, APD has made 25 arrests for starting illegal fires, helping mitigate risks to the community and environment.

Camping enforcement efforts have focused on balancing public space accessibility with outreach:

• 65 arrests made.
• 569 voluntarily complied with officers.
• 45 accepted offered services, including shelter, treatment or housing support.

Additionally, the Municipality's outreach and crisis teams are making critical connections with residents in need. From January through March, APD's Homeless Outreach Prevention & Engagement (HOPE) Team made 171 referrals for care or services and placed 18 people into shelter or housing.

AFD's Community Outreach, Referral and Education (CORE) Team is connecting high utilizers of the EMS system to opioid treatment and recovery services, medical and behavioral health care and other resources.

"Public safety requires a balanced approach of firm enforcement and meaningful support," Mayor LaFrance said. "Whether we are addressing retail theft or managing our public spaces, our goal remains the same: a safe, secure, and thriving municipality for every resident."

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Contact: Emily Goodykoontz [email protected] 1 (907) 205-6683 ​

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