Alaska Criminal Records

In Alaska, a 'crime' is defined under Alaska Statutes AS 11.81.900(11) as an offense punishable by imprisonment. This encompasses felonies with a potential imprisonment term exceeding 1 year or misdemeanors where imprisonment for more than 1 year may not be imposed.

Alaska criminal records are systematically generated by various criminal justice agencies in the course of official functions. These activities encompass a spectrum of tasks from investigation to correctional supervision and rehabilitation of convicted criminals. Alaska Statutes AS 12.62.900(8) officially terms criminal records as 'Criminal history record information.' These records are a compilation of past conviction details, current offender information, and criminal identification specifics.

Typically, an Alaska criminal record will feature the following:

• The subject's name
• Fingerprints
• Photographs
• Arrest Warrant
• Location of any place of incarceration, halfway house, restitution center.
• Correctional terms and conditions of any sentence, probation, suspended imposition of sentence, discretionary or mandatory parole, furlough, executive clemency, or other release.

Are Criminal Records Public in Alaska?

Yes. As outlined in Alaska statutes § 40.25.120, individuals have the right to inspect public records, including those within recorders' offices. However, this entitlement is not absolute, especially concerning law enforcement records or information. The production of such documents or information is restricted if it could interfere with an investigation or jeopardize the subject's life or safety.

The release of Alaska criminal justice information is subject to rigorous conditions outlined in AS § 12.62.160(b). The Criminal Records and Identification Bureau (R&I) is the central repository for criminal history information in Alaska. In general, they may provide information in situations involving imminent danger to life or extensive property damage, under court rules or orders, for traditional law enforcement purposes, or when explicitly authorized by state or federal law. Furthermore, as per AS § 12.62.160(c), disclosing information requires verifying the subject's identity through fingerprint comparison or another approved reliable means of identification. Agencies releasing information must maintain detailed records of the release, including the recipient's name, release date, the nature of the information, and the statutory authority permitting disclosure.

Alaska Crime Records by County

In Alaska, vital roles in generating and maintaining crime data and records within respective jurisdictions are fulfilled by local criminal justice agencies, such as police departments. This information is then transmitted to the Criminal Records and Identification Bureau (R&I), serving as the central repository for the state's criminal records.

The discrepancies in crime rates among populous counties stem notably from variations in population size. Larger populations tend to be associated with higher crime rates and increased reporting. Furthermore, educational levels within counties contribute to these differences, as regions with higher-educated populations typically experience lower crime rates. Education empowers individuals with the knowledge to make lawful decisions and actively participate in crime prevention initiatives.

Alaska Criminal Record Check

There are various options for performing an Alaska criminal record check. They include:

Local Resource:

Individuals interested in obtaining a criminal background check locally can initiate the request through a police department or county website. The agency's website usually outlines the request process, or those interested can gather pertinent details by contacting a specified phone number. For instance, the Administration of the Haines Borough County provides access to police records through their Public Record Request Form on their website.

State Resource:

While local law enforcement agencies primarily handle the creation and management of crime-related data, reports, and records, the central repository for all Alaska criminal records is the Criminal Records and Identification Bureau (R&I). Individuals in Alaska seeking a criminal background check have two options: a name-based search or a fingerprint-based search. For more accurate results, fingerprint identification is recommended, as name-based searches might overlook criminal history reported under aliases. The current fee for a name-based background check is $20, while a fingerprint-based check costs $35. These checks specifically include Alaska Criminal Justice Information.

To initiate a fingerprint-based background check, individuals should submit fingerprints on a standard FD-258 FBI fingerprint form. It's important to note that fingerprints submitted in other formats, even if on the standard form but printed in different sizes or on different paper stocks, will be rejected.

For those opting for a name-based background check by mail, results can be either mailed or faxed, but not both, unless an extra copy is purchased for $5 at the same time as the original report. Additional reports requested later will incur a fee of $20 each. Requesters should enclose their request and accompanying documents in a self-addressed stamped envelope. Those who choose to submit in person can visit the nearest walk-in center. Alternatively, if submitting by mail, the requester must use the U.S. Postal Service and send the request to:

Criminal Records and Identification (R&I) Bureau

Division of Statewide Services

State of Alaska, Department of Public Safety

5700 East Tudor Road

Anchorage, Alaska 99507

Phone: (907)269-5767

Fax: (907)269-5091

Email: dps.criminal.records@alaska.gov

The subject is permitted to request a copy of the criminal record for a third party on the form, specifying the name and mailing address of the authorized third party in the provided boxes.

Federal Resource:

In Alaska, those seeking their criminal records can obtain an Identity History Summary, commonly known as a "rap sheet," from the FBI by paying a fee of $18. Requests can be made online, through mail, or via an FBI-approved channeler.

To use the convenient online application, individuals interested in this service can visit the Identity History Summary Checks website. They can effectively submit their requests by following the steps outlined in the "Obtaining Your Identity History Summary" section. For those who submit fingerprints directly to the FBI online, a visit to a participating U.S. Post Office is necessary. The online application and payment processes should be completed before the Post Office visit.

Alternatively, applicants can send the completed fingerprint card along with the confirmation email to the specified address. The request will be treated as an electronic submission upon receiving the fingerprint card, with additional fees applicable. Individuals opting for a mail request must send a completed Applicant Information Form, a fingerprint card, and $18 fee to the following address:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306

The submission should include the form, a fingerprint card, and payment made via credit card or a money order/certified check payable to the Treasury of the United States.

Find Criminal Records Online in Alaska

Alaska's CourtView system facilitates online public access to court records, including criminal records. This system permits anyone to pay to retrieve court records online, including those related to criminal cases.

Free Criminal Record Search in Alaska

In Alaska, criminal justice agencies offer a free criminal record search. One such example is the Department of Public Safety (DPS), which furnishes a Sex Offender/Child Kidnapper Registry featuring details about individuals convicted of sexual crimes and kidnapping. Users have the option to search the registry based on a person's name or geographical location.

What Does it Mean if You Have a Criminal Record in Alaska?

A criminal record in Alaska leads to the forfeiture of specific rights. According to AS §33.30.241, If convicted of a felony, individuals automatically lose voting and jury service rights, with restoration upon "unconditional discharge." The restoration of voting rights also restores eligibility for holding public office, though certain positions, like school board service and judgeship, have specific prohibitions.

Moreover, as stated in AS §11.61.200(a)(1),(b)(1), individuals with felony convictions encounter a 10-year limitation on possessing concealable firearms after discharge, with permanent loss in case of offenses against a person.

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in Alaska?

No. Possessing a criminal record in Alaska can have enduring consequences. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) restricts the reporting of non-conviction records to seven years, but convictions may be reported indefinitely. This distinction highlights the potential long-term impact of a criminal record on various aspects of an individual's life, including employment opportunities and other areas where background checks are conducted.

Arrest Record Vs Criminal Record

In Alaska, arrest records signify that an individual was apprehended by law enforcement, often documented in daily arrest reports at law enforcement agencies. These records, considered public, include information such as the date, charges, and description. On the other hand, Alaska criminal records go beyond arrest records, incorporating case dispositions and details of any convictions. Due to their comprehensive content, criminal records are the preferred choice for decisions related to employment, housing, or licensing, distinguishing them from arrest records.

Alaska Police Records

Police records in Alaska comprise documents created and upheld by the police as a criminal justice agency. They consist of identifiable descriptions and documentation of arrests, detentions, and related reports. These records, while informative, lack the comprehensive nature of criminal records, as they do not encompass information from other criminal justice entities such as the Department of Correction and the Judiciary.