ALASKA ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

Alaska Action Guide

State-Specific Tactics to Restore Police Radio Transparency

Alaska's vast geography makes real-time emergency communication critical. When Anchorage encrypted police radios in 2013, it set a precedent that other departments have considered following. This guide gives you the contacts, templates, and tactics to fight encryption in the Last Frontier.

Alaska's Encryption Landscape

Understanding the battlefield before you fight

Alaska presents unique challenges for police transparency. Anchorage, the state's largest city, encrypted police radios in 2013, citing officer safety and victim privacy. Fire and EMS followed in 2017. Juneau has considered encryption but faces technical challenges due to mountainous terrain.

The Alaska Public Records Act (APRA) is one of the broadest in the nation, applying to every branch of government. Use this leverage to demand documentation of encryption decisions and proof of scanner-related harm.

1 Major City Encrypted (Anchorage)
APRA Strong Public Records Law
3 Major Departments to Watch

Key Alaska Encryption Timeline

2013 Anchorage Police Department encrypts radio communications
2016 Anchorage stops Broadcastify public feed of police/fire
2017 Anchorage Fire Department encrypts radio communications
2019 Juneau PD receives DHS grant to study radio encryption
Present Juneau considering encryption; Fairbanks remains accessible

Key Alaska Contacts

The people who can make change happen

State Government

Alaska State Legislature

Legislative Branch

Why Contact: The Legislature can pass transparency requirements and oversee Department of Public Safety policies.

  • Find Your Legislator: akleg.gov
  • House State Affairs Committee: Key committee for public safety oversight
  • Senate Judiciary Committee: Reviews public records legislation
Ask: "Will you sponsor legislation requiring media access to encrypted police communications?"

Department of Public Safety

Alaska State Troopers

Why Contact: Alaska State Troopers use encrypted communications. Request documentation on their encryption policy.

  • Public Records: Submit APRA requests through the agency
  • Website: dps.alaska.gov

Local Government

Anchorage Assembly

City Council

Why Contact: Anchorage is fully encrypted. The Assembly can mandate transparency measures or media access programs.

  • Website: muni.org/assembly
  • Public Comment: Assembly meetings allow public testimony
Ask: "Will you require APD to create a media access program for encrypted channels?"

Juneau Assembly

City Council

Why Contact: Juneau has considered encryption. Preemptive engagement can prevent it before it happens.

Ask: "Before any encryption decision, will you require public hearings and transparency alternatives?"

Fairbanks City Council

North Star Borough

Why Contact: Fairbanks has not encrypted. Help them stay transparent.

Media & Press Organizations

Anchorage Daily News

Alaska's Largest Newspaper

Why Contact: The ADN has covered encryption issues and can amplify your campaign.

KTUU - Alaska's News Source

NBC Affiliate

Why Contact: KTUU is Alaska's most-watched news source and has covered public safety issues extensively.

Alaska Public Media

Public Broadcasting

Why Contact: APM provides statewide coverage and investigative journalism.

KTOO

Juneau Public Media

Why Contact: KTOO covers the state capital and legislative activity.

ACLU of Alaska

Civil Liberties Ally

Why Contact: The ACLU of Alaska focuses on transparency and accountability issues.

Alaska Public Records Act (APRA) Requests

One of the broadest public records laws in the nation

The Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.100-220) is among the most comprehensive in the country. Every branch of government is subject to the law, and requests can be submitted in any form. Agencies must respond within 10 working days.

Alaska-Specific APRA Templates

Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation

Purpose: Prove there's no evidence scanner access has harmed officers

Pursuant to the Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.100 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All documented incidents, reports, or investigations where public access to police radio scanner communications resulted in:
    • Injury or harm to any officer or personnel
    • Compromise of any tactical operation
    • Flight or escape of any suspect
    • Interference with any emergency response
    for the period January 1, 2010 through present.

If no responsive records exist, please provide written confirmation of that fact, as required under APRA.

I request this information in electronic format. Please contact me if costs will exceed $25.

Template 2: Encryption Decision Documents

Purpose: Discover who made the encryption decision and whether the public was consulted

Pursuant to the Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.100 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting notes) regarding the decision to encrypt police radio communications.
  2. All city council, assembly, or public meeting agendas and minutes where radio encryption was discussed.
  3. Any legal opinions or policy analyses regarding encryption.
  4. Any cost-benefit analyses comparing encryption to alternatives.
  5. All contracts and expenditures related to radio encryption systems.

I request records from January 1, 2010 through present.

Template 3: Media Access Policy

Purpose: Document whether any media access program exists

Pursuant to the Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.100 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:

  1. Any policies, procedures, or agreements providing media organizations access to encrypted police radio channels.
  2. Any applications received from media organizations requesting access to encrypted channels.
  3. Any correspondence with media organizations regarding access to police communications.
  4. Any written justifications for denying media access to encrypted channels.

Alaska APRA Tips

  • 10-day response: Agencies must respond within 10 working days (day of receipt is day 0)
  • Any format accepted: Submit requests in person, by mail, email, or online form
  • Fee waivers: Request a fee waiver if disclosure is "in the public interest"
  • 5 hours free: No fees for the first 5 hours of staff time per requester per month
  • Electronic preferred: Request records in electronic format to avoid copying costs
  • Appeal denials: Appeal to the agency head, or seek an injunction from superior court under AS 40.25.125
  • "No records" is evidence: A response of "no responsive records" proves your point about scanner harm

Local Actions: Assembly & City Council

Encryption decisions are made locally. Fight them locally.

Assembly/Council Engagement

In Alaska, most municipalities use an Assembly rather than a City Council. The strategy is the same: attend meetings, provide testimony, and demand transparency.

Template: Request for Assembly Agenda Item

Dear Assembly Member [NAME],

I am writing to request that you agendize a public discussion of [MUNICIPALITY] Police Department's radio encryption policy.

In [MONTH/YEAR], [MUNICIPALITY PD] encrypted its radio communications without public notice or Assembly involvement. This decision affects public safety transparency, emergency information access, and press freedom.

Alaska's unique geography makes real-time emergency information critical. Communities spread across vast distances rely on scanner access to stay informed about developing situations.

I request the Assembly: (1) Hold a public hearing on encryption's impact, (2) Review whether encryption was properly authorized, and (3) Consider hybrid alternatives that preserve transparency while addressing operational needs.

Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[PHONE/EMAIL]

Assembly Meeting Tips

  • Sign up for public comment - Most assemblies allow 3 minutes per speaker
  • Bring supporters - Numbers matter in Alaska's smaller communities
  • Emphasize geography - Remind them of Alaska's unique communication challenges
  • Follow up in writing - After speaking, send your testimony to all assembly members
  • Request a formal hearing - Ask for encryption to be agendized as its own item

Police Department Engagement

Many Alaska departments make encryption decisions without civilian oversight. Direct engagement with police leadership can sometimes yield results.

Key Questions for Police Leadership

  • "What documented incidents justified the encryption decision?"
  • "What alternatives to full encryption were considered?"
  • "Does the department have a media access policy?"
  • "How are you ensuring public accountability without scanner access?"
  • "What was the cost of encryption implementation?"

Community Policing Angle

  • Frame as partnership - Police depend on public cooperation; transparency builds trust
  • Cite rural challenges - In remote areas, scanners help neighbors assist each other
  • Offer solutions - Propose delay broadcasting or selective encryption as alternatives
  • Document everything - File APRA requests for any verbal commitments or promises

Take Action Now

Concrete steps you can take today

1

File an APRA Request

Use the templates above to request documentation of scanner harm from your local police department. The response (or lack of records) becomes evidence for your campaign.

2

Contact Your Assembly Member

Find your local representative and request a meeting to discuss police radio transparency. Use the template letter to request a formal agenda item.

3

Contact Local Media

Reach out to KTUU, the Anchorage Daily News, or your local newspaper. Explain how encryption affects their ability to cover emergencies. Media organizations are powerful allies.

4

Build a Coalition

Connect with journalists, First Amendment advocates, neighborhood watch groups, and volunteer emergency responders. Alaska's small communities can build coalitions quickly.

5

Attend Public Meetings

Show up at Assembly meetings, even when encryption isn't on the agenda. Build relationships with elected officials before you need them.

6

Prevent Encryption Expansion

If your community hasn't encrypted yet (like Fairbanks), be proactive. Contact officials now to establish transparency expectations before encryption becomes an issue.

Take Action for Transparency

Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.

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Contact Your Representatives

Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.

Get Started
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Read Case Studies

See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.

View Cases
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Spread Awareness

Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.

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See the Evidence

Review the facts, myths, and research on police radio encryption.

View Evidence
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Public Testimony

Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.

Prepare to Speak
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Download Resources

Get FOIA templates, talking points, and materials for advocacy.

Access Toolkit