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.
Key Alaska Encryption Timeline
Key Alaska Contacts
The people who can make change happen
State Government
Governor Mike Dunleavy
Executive BranchWhy Contact: The Governor sets statewide priorities and can direct the Department of Public Safety on transparency policies.
- Phone: (907) 465-3500
- Fax: (907) 465-3532
- Address: P.O. Box 110001, Juneau, AK 99811-0001
- Website: gov.alaska.gov
Alaska State Legislature
Legislative BranchWhy 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
Department of Public Safety
Alaska State TroopersWhy 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 CouncilWhy 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
Juneau Assembly
City CouncilWhy Contact: Juneau has considered encryption. Preemptive engagement can prevent it before it happens.
- Website: juneau.org/assembly
Fairbanks City Council
North Star BoroughWhy Contact: Fairbanks has not encrypted. Help them stay transparent.
- Website: fairbanksalaska.us
Media & Press Organizations
Anchorage Daily News
Alaska's Largest NewspaperWhy Contact: The ADN has covered encryption issues and can amplify your campaign.
- News Tips: adn.com
KTUU - Alaska's News Source
NBC AffiliateWhy Contact: KTUU is Alaska's most-watched news source and has covered public safety issues extensively.
- Website: alaskasnewssource.com
Alaska Public Media
Public BroadcastingWhy Contact: APM provides statewide coverage and investigative journalism.
- Website: alaskapublic.org
KTOO
Juneau Public MediaWhy Contact: KTOO covers the state capital and legislative activity.
- Website: ktoo.org
ACLU of Alaska
Civil Liberties AllyWhy Contact: The ACLU of Alaska focuses on transparency and accountability issues.
- Website: acluak.org
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:
- 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
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:
- All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting notes) regarding the decision to encrypt police radio communications.
- All city council, assembly, or public meeting agendas and minutes where radio encryption was discussed.
- Any legal opinions or policy analyses regarding encryption.
- Any cost-benefit analyses comparing encryption to alternatives.
- 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:
- Any policies, procedures, or agreements providing media organizations access to encrypted police radio channels.
- Any applications received from media organizations requesting access to encrypted channels.
- Any correspondence with media organizations regarding access to police communications.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
Build a Coalition
Connect with journalists, First Amendment advocates, neighborhood watch groups, and volunteer emergency responders. Alaska's small communities can build coalitions quickly.
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.
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.
Alaska Resources & Links
Everything you need for your advocacy campaign
Government Resources
Activist Playbook
Take Action for Transparency
Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.
Contact Your Representatives
Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.
Get StartedRead Case Studies
See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.
View CasesSpread Awareness
Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.
Public Testimony
Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.
Prepare to Speak