Opening of the Equity Center
The Alaska Black Caucus Equity Center Grand Opening and Juneteenth Celebration will be held on June 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. For members and allies of the Justice Committee, we will have a designated space to meet in person.
Civilian Oversight of the Anchorage Police Department
With the introduction of body-worn cameras for Anchorage police officers and 11 police-involved shootings in the past year, there has been growing community discussion about the need for civilian oversight of the Anchorage Police Department (APD). There are currently two efforts underway to establish such oversight:
1. A Civilian Review Board:
Many members of the Anchorage community have been advocating for the creation of a civilian review board. This may require passage of a ballot initiative and a voter-approved proposition.
2. Reestablishing the Public Safety Advisory Commission (PSAC):
The Anchorage Assembly first established a Public Safety Advisory Commission in May 1995, with an emphasis on community membership, to create a comprehensive public safety plan for the Municipality of Anchorage. On January 31, 2024, the Assembly voted to terminate the commission.
Since the termination of the PSAC, several Assembly members have explored the viability of bringing it back in some form, with an updated mission and duties. The Alaska Black Caucus, along with other members of the Alaska Coalition for Justice, is prepared to work with the Assembly and municipal agencies to discuss whether the PSAC should be reestablished—or whether a new entity should be created—to ensure continued community engagement in public safety issues.