Anchorage Police Department ISSUES UPDATED Statement REGARDING FORMER EMPLOYEE

The Anchorage Police Department (APD) is aware of recent coverage involving a former employee who worked with the Mobile Intervention Team (MIT).

APD generally does not release Internal Affairs files except through court proceedings. A criminal investigation is underway into how this information was accessed and shared outside the secure APD system.

APD takes public trust seriously and understands the community’s expectation for accountability, especially for professionals working in behavioral health and crisis response roles. The department follows all federal, state, and municipal employment laws, including required background checks and due process standards.

The community is encouraged to rely on vetted information. We have updated the FAQ section and will continue to update this page as information becomes available. Please email apdcommunityrelations@anchorageak.gov with additional questions.

Original Statement on Unauthorized Disclosure:

The Anchorage Police Department (APD) has confirmed that internal and confidential information was released without authorization.

A range of laws prohibits the theft and unauthorized disclosure of confidential digital information. A criminal investigation into how this information was accessed, removed from the secure APD system, and disseminated is ongoing. Any resulting prosecution will be made public.

Information sign to alert the community to verified information related to the Anchorage Police Department

The Anchorage Police Department is keeping the community informed about the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.

  • APD takes any potential compromise of internal, confidential information seriously and the department has already implemented additional safeguards to protect employee confidentiality. A criminal investigation into how this information was accessed, removed from the secure APD system, and disseminated is ongoing.

  • ‍APD encourages the community to rely on verified information. This page will be updated as information becomes available. Additionally, people can email: apdcommunityrelations@anchorageak.gov with questions.

    ‍ ‍

  • The department follows all federal, state, and municipal employment laws, including required background checks and due process standards.

    Even so, APD is committed to continually reviewing its hiring procedures to strive for the highest standards of safety, accountability, and public confidence. As a result, clinicians hired at APD are now subject to the same background process as sworn police officers.

  • Each hiring decision is based on the totality of the circumstances, the results of the investigation, and the candidate’s qualifications and record at the time of hire.

  • No. When employees are required to answer questions about their official duties, their statements are protected under Garrity rights, meaning those statements cannot be used against them in a criminal case.