frequently Asked questions

general

  • It's a common misconception that you must wait 24 hours before reporting a person as missing. You do not need to wait. If a loved one is missing, call 3-1-1. Either the call taker will take the information, or they'll send an officer to take a report. Once the report is filed, we can send out an alert to and the community to help find the person.

  • 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. An emergency is an immediate threat or risk of death or injury or if a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, or emergency medical help is needed right away. If you are in doubt, call. The 9-1-1 call taker can determine if you need emergency assistance. For more information about our Emergency Communications Center (aka Dispatch/9-1-1) visit their page on our site.

    If you need to speak with dispatch but it's not an emergency, call 3-1-1. If you need to file a police report, it's likely you can do it online. File a police report.

  • CALL 9-1-1 when you believe there is a risk of death or injury due to dangerous driver behavior. DO NOT call 911 for minor behaviors that do not appear to cause confusion or risk of death or injury. Please stop at a safe place or have a passenger make the call, and report the vehicle along with its description and location. Remember, the driver may be ill or intoxicated and shouldn't be on the road. State and local law enforcement agencies will respond as quickly as possible.

  • You can report mail theft to APD, online: Report a Crime

    Select "Theft report". Mail theft should also be reported to the Postal Inspector at https://www.uspis.gov/report/

    To reach the Postal Inspector's office call 1-877-876-2455​.

  • Calling the police on your neighbors is a drastic step and shouldn't be your first. Before resorting to calling the police, the usual first steps are to try calling your neighbor, or (if personal contact won't endanger your own safety) knocking on the door to make a polite request. Sometimes, a situation merits police involvement, particularly if an actual law is being broken. Unless you are in imminent physical danger, call 3-1-1 to report.

    Noise complaints are low priority and in many instances officers may not get there until the offense is over. Also, calling the police to file an official report against neighbors is something they're likely to remember. It may result in a breakdown of any civil relationship you might have had, plus a great deal of awkwardness.

  • A car seat is required for children under 4 years of age. Children must be over 4 years old AND over 40 pounds to use a standard seatbelt. Children under 8 years old, under 65 pounds and under 4'9" tall must be in a booster seat. (See Municipal Code 9.36.020 - "Use of safety belts and child safety devices" for more information.) Children should be over 1 year old AND over 30 pounds to be in a forward-facing car seat. This is not a law but an National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guideline.

    You can also visit the Alaska Injury Prevention Center website to schedule a personal car seat check.

  • We get requests for APD patches from collectors and other APD fans all the time! The non-profit organization, Anchoarage Cops for Community has APD patches, stickers, and other swag available for purchase on thier website. When you purchase APD swag you are helping the organzation do great things in our community. Check out their website for more info and to purchase. Anchorage Cops for Community.

citations

  • If your citation is marked "Mandatory Court - Infraction" or "Mandatory Court - Criminal", you must appear in court at the date and time shown on the citation. If your citation is marked "Optional Court" or "Correctable", you may contest your citation within 45 days of the date on the citation. You need to mark the box next to "I plead NOT GUILTY" on your citation, then sign on the signature line, date it and make sure your correct mailing address is on the citation. Either mail the citation or bring it to: 716 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501. You will receive a court date in the mail in a few weeks. If you have any questions about your court date, call Traffic Court at 264-0713.

  • If it is a parking ticket, you must contact the Anchorage Community Development Authority at 276-7275.

    There are four ways you may pay for a traffic citation within 30 days of issue date:

    1. Pay online: There is a service fee attached to this option only. Pay Online HERE

    2. Pay over the phone with a credit card at 786-2429

    3. Mail a check or money order to: 716 W 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.

    4. Pay in person at the front counter at our headquarters, 716 W. 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501.
      Partial payment is not accepted.

    For any other law enforcement agency's citations (Airport Police, Palmer Police, Alaska State Troopers, etc.) you may pay the citation online or at the court.

  • Yes, you can! Visit the Correctable Citations page on our website for details on how to do it.

  • APD has never set a quota for traffic tickets.

TRAFFIC

  • Yes. In fact, municipal law requires that you move your vehicle so as not to block traffic unless there are injuries or it cannot be moved. After you make initial contact with the other driver, move your vehicles to a safe area off the traveled portion of the roadway, or to a parking lot.

  • Technically, no, unless there are injuries. If you elect to leave the scene, you can fill out an Alaska Motor Vehicle Crash form at the Anchorage Police Department or at a DMV, or report it online at the Alaska Department of Transportation. This must be completed within ten (10) days of the accident.

  • The center turn lane is for drivers to make a left turn.

    The center turning lane is intended to be used for drivers to make left turns into driveways, parking lots, and other roads.

    It’s unlawful to use the turning lane as a merge lane.

    The center turning lane is meant to only be used for turning. If you use it for something else, such as merging or passing, you’re violating traffic laws and you could receive a hefty fine.

  • The following information is brought to you by the Alaska Department of Transportation.

    • Slow down as you approach the roundabout. You will see the appropriate speed for the roundabout posted on the yellow sign as you approach the intersection. Be sure to watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

    • Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. As you approach the roundabout, look to your left. Traffic already in the roundabout has the right-of-way.

    • Enter the roundabout when there is a gap. When you see an appropriate gap in traffic, enter the roundabout. You do not need to come to a full stop if you can safely enter the roundabout without stopping. Once you have entered the roundabout, do not stop until after you have exited.

    • Use your turn signal when exiting. Alerting other drivers that you will be exiting the roundabout helps keep traffic flowing through the intersection.

    The DOT put together these quick videos all about roundabouts

    Rules of the Roundabout - https://vimeo.com/323946479

    Roundabouts v.2: the yield - https://vimeo.com/383905384

equipment

  • If you live south of 62° North latitude (for reference Glennallen, AK is at latitude 62.1097° N) studded tires are legal only between October 1 and April 30 each year. If you live north of 62° North latitude studded tires are legal only between September 16 and April 30 each year. Should you drive with them outside of these dates, you may be fined $50 per tire.

    Note: The State of Alaska has different dates in which studded tires are allowed. Visit the Department of Transportation website for details.

  • Achorage Municipal Code 9.36.045 requires all passenger vehicles must allow at least 70% light through the front and front side windows, and 40% through rear and rear side windows. The rear windows of a van, SUV, or truck are exempt from tinting regulations. Anchorage police officers carry tint measuring devices in order to enforce this law. A citation for tinted windows is correctable, however failing to comply with corrective instructions will result on a fine of $500 with a $20 surcharge.

  • The easiest way to determine if you are operating with legal mufflers is to make sure they are no louder than those it was originally equipped with from the factory. All others are illegal, even though it is legal for vendors to sell them to you.

property

  • APD doesn't hold auctions. We contract with local auctioneers on a consignment basis after the mandatory procedures have been followed. The auction companies then auction off those items during a regular auction sale. The proceeds go into the General Fund. Please contact Alaska Premier Auctions regarding upcoming auctions of Municipal property.

  • You must call 786-8660 to make an appointment. When you arrive for your appointment, you must have picture ID with you.

  • No. Municipal law prohibits finders from claiming bicycles or motorized vehicles.

  • APD donates them to the YMCA, a non-profit organization, which auctions them regularly to raise operating funds.

  • Please contact Alaska Premier Auctions regarding upcoming auctions of Municipal property.

parking

  • Call APD dispatch at 786-8500 or dial 3-1-1

  • No more than 24 hours, except from Friday noon until Monday noon.

  • AMC 9.30.220 - Parking of trailers, travel trailers, motor homes or campers.

    Yes, with some restrictions. Any trailer, including pole trailer, semitrailer, or tractor/trailer combination may park on any street of the municipality up to two hours at any one time.

    Motorhomes may be parked up to 24 hours or noon Friday to noon Monday.

    However, no person may park any of the aforementioned vehicles on a municipal street or any other municipality-owned or controlled property with the intent of using is as a residence even temporarily, except in areas that are designated for that purpose by the department of cultural and recreational services or other municipal agency having such authority.

  • No, AMC 9.30.030, prohibits parking in the middle of a cul-de-sac.

  • Once an officer arrives and determines it to be a safety concern or hazard, it should be moved in a few hours. If the vehicle is not a safety concern or hazard, the vehicle will be given an over 24-hour red tag impound notice by an officer. If the vehicle had not moved after being tagged, the vehicle will typically be towed within a few days. 

Firearms

  • Anchorage Municipal Code 8.25.030 regulates Discharge of Firearms within the Municipality. It states, in part, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly shoot, discharge, or flourish any firearm, air rifle or air pistol within the MOA except in those areas open to the public for lawful hunting or upon established shooting ranges.

  • Currently, there are no special weapons permits needed to carry a firearm anywhere in the State of Alaska. However, there are many conditions that restrict a person from carrying a loaded firearm at certain times or locations. It would be wise to research Alaska State Statutes concerning Weapons 11.61.190 through .220 and since it appears that you have a CCW permit issued by your state, you may also wish to review AS 18.65.700 through .790.

    In general: You may not possess a firearm:

    • If you are a minor (without parent or guardian permission and presence)

    • If you are a prohibited person (i.e. a convicted felon, a person who is a current respondent of a protective order from any state).

    • While intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

    • On or in any school ground or building, government building or court building.

    • In any place or premise where alcohol is sold for consumption. It is an affirmative defense however if possession occurred at a place designated as a restaurant and the person did not consume intoxicating liquor.

    • In any place where signs are posted indicating the prohibition of firearms.

    • In any private residence without the permission of the owner/resident.

Drugs

  • Call APD's Drug Tip Hotline – 786-8864

    Drug activity may be reported anonymously. However, it is generally preferred that the identity of the caller be given. This will assist officers if arrests are made and testimony in court is required. If a citizen requests anonymity for fear of retaliation or any other reasons, officers will conduct their investigation without the identity of the complainant.

    A citizen who has a friend or relative they suspect of drug-related activity may also use this number to provide us with pertinent information. It is not necessary for officers to know the identity of the complainant. If the identity is divulged, at the request of the complainant, this information will be kept confidential.

more frequently asked questions