Anchorage Informed

See the Data. Follow the Results.

There’s a lot of conversation and at times, disagreement about public safety. The vision at APD is to create an environment where everyone matters. Every voice matters. APD thanks ALL citizens for their input and passionate civic engagement. As these conversations happen, facts matter, sources matter, context matters and data matters. That’s why we’ve posted resources on this page to spot and combat misinformation.

Additionally, you’ll find data driven information about our initiatives to help keep Anchorage safe. Notably, APD has seen success in efforts to reduce retail theft. Since APD started focusing on reducing retail theft, Calls for Service have already gone down by 15 percent in key areas since the unit launced in September 2025.

PODCAST: Looking Forward; Reflecting on the past

  • Article: How to Combat Misinformation

    Downloadable graphic from the IFLA.

    Consider the source: click away from the story to investigate the site, its mission, and its contact information

    Read Beyond: Headlines can be outrageous in an effort to get clicks. What's the whole story?

    Check the author: do a quick search on the author. Are they credible? Are they real?

    Supporting sources:click on those links. Determine if the information given actually supports the story.

    Check the date: reposting old news stories doesn't mean they are relevant to current events.

    It is a joke? if it is too outlandish, it might be satire. Research the site and author to be sure.

    Check your biases: consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgement

    Ask the Experts- ask a librarian, or consult a fact checking web site

  • Since the creation of APD’s Retail Theft Unit in September 2025, more than 148 cases have been prosecuted representing over $100,000 in stolen property. These efforts have contributed to a 15 percent reduction in calls for service at historically high-call retail locations and a 28 percent drop in overall retail theft cases. This work is further strengthened by a fully staffed Anchorage Prosecutor’s Office, which is prosecuting more cases than it has in years.

  • Town Square Park is one of Anchorage’s busiest public gathering areas. To support safety and deter disorder, APD activated modern public safety cameras that feed into the Real-Time Crime Center.

    These cameras:

    • Help deter theft, vandalism, and public safety concerns

    • Support major events and community gatherings

    • Operate under strict policies with no facial recognition and clear privacy safeguards

    The goal is simple: support investigations, deter crime.

    Read the associated press release

  • APD has released a public dashboard that tracks enforcement of Anchorage’s illegal camping ordinance — giving residents a monthly update of how APD responds to illegal camps.

    The goal is to reduce illegal encampments while connecting people with services and keeping public spaces safe.

    View the dashboard and FAQs about enforcement, voluntary compliance and service connections.

  • Property crime in Anchorage has steadily decreased over the last decade.  Source: FBI UCR Crime Reporting

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    Violent crime levels today are similar to the 1990s and have remained steady. Source: FBI UCR Crime Reporting