Find Public Records in Alaska. The Best Ways to Find Public Records in Alaska

Alaska Public Records Act (APRA) defines public records as any digital or printed document received, maintained, and developed by public offices in Alaska. It includes drawings, microfilms, maps, paper tapes, photos, documents, and letters. You can inspect or obtain copies of these records by writing or sending requests to government officials and organizations tasked with safeguarding and managing the records. 

This article reveals how to find public records in Alaska and answers common questions public records researchers often have in the state.

Overview of Public Records in Alaska

Alaska has digital and printed public records in its databases and registries across the state. Common public records in Alaska include arrest records, criminal history records, court records, divorce records, marriage records, inmate information, death records, and non-confidential birth records. 

It encompasses records from the executive, legislative, judicial, and quasi-judicial branches of government and documents from local entities like cities and boroughs. Inquirers need basic information about a person to facilitate or request a record search with public agencies. 

It's worth noting that most agencies bearing public records charge specific fees for copying or processing their documents, while third-party sites like Truepeoplesearch.io allow inquirers to find public records online for free.

Alaska Public Act: The Basics You Need to Know

Alaska Public Records Act is crucial in maintaining government transparency, integrity, and accountability. It enables citizens and organizations to access public records produced by state, regional, and municipal government agencies in Alaska. 

The act affords members of the public the right to duplicate these records, with agencies permitted to levy fees for record copies. Agencies must generally respond to requests within ten days, either by granting access or providing a justification for denying it. Failure to furnish the requested information can lead to legal actions by requesters.

Exemptions in the Alaska Public Record Act

Alaska's public record law grants vast access to various records but also restricts access to some containing sensitive information. Government agencies are permitted to deny all requests for files that contain records related to juveniles and those detailing private medical records.

Other justifications for exemptions and redactions occur when the records:

● Violates a person's right to privacy
● Reveals sensitive procedures and techniques that Alaska law enforcement applies during investigations and prosecution
● Puts the person's physical safety at risk
● Deprives the person's right to an impartial trial
● Interferes with the court and law enforcement proceedings
● Exposes the identity of a state informant
● Reveals confidential law enforcement guidelines that malicious actors could exploit

The majority of public records that contain this information include adoption records, personal records, and state personnel records.

Types of Public Records in Alaska and Where to Find Them 

Public criminal records

Criminal records include non-conviction information, sealed information, identification information, and current offender details. They are confidential information accessed through a mail request, email, or in-person visit to one of the state's departments of public safety offices. 

The state department of public safety updates its criminal records using the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN). It looks through the agency's database using the name, citation number, ticket, or case number. The Alaska court system's website search feature is the easiest way to access these records. 

Alaska Public vital records

Alaska's Public Health's Health Analytics and Vital Records in Alaska provides vital records upon request. Still, certain documents like birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates have specific time frames before they become public records. The most practical method to obtain a vital record is to visit the offices in Juneau or Anchorage personally. Alternatively, you may place an online request through vitalchek. Do well to select the expedited option, which takes only 2-5 business days to process. 

Alaska Public court records

You can access court records online for appellate and trial court cases in Alaska Supreme courts by searching with the case number, party name, or attorney name. Nevertheless, some records may not appear in the database due to insufficient evidence, the conviction being set aside, an acquitted defendant, a dismissed case, or the defendant being under 21. Additionally, the release of court records may affect the impartiality of a jury, necessitating a written request, a website visit, or an in-person visit to the specific courts.

Alaska Public driving records 

You can obtain public driving records in Alaska by submitting a written request at the local DMV office or ordering them online for a $10.00 fee. You may also obtain civil driving infractions records. Under Alaska law, a driver's license can be revoked or suspended if they accumulate 12 points or more within a year or 18 points within two years. 

Civil driving infractions that correspond to point accumulation include blocking or obstructing traffic (2 points), driving with an out-of-state or expired license (2 points), negligent driving (6 points), driving with a revoked or suspended license (10 points), and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (10 points).

Will I Have to Justify Public Records Requests in Alaska?

Individuals can obtain Alaska public records without being required to provide a reason for the request. Alaska's public record laws do not authorize public office officials to demand an explanation or justification for a request. 

However, it does allow public officials to inquire whether the requester is involved in any litigation with a public agency or the state. If the requester falls into this category, they must obtain the records in compliance with applicable court rules.

Cost of Obtaining Public Records in Alaska 

Obtaining a public record incurs varying costs, contingent upon the record type, the office holding the record, and the time required to locate it. Alaska's Public Record Act authorizes government officials to levy fees for copy-making so long as the charge does not exceed the typical cost of duplication. 

Public officials may occasionally choose to waive the fee. If a record takes longer than five hours to locate, requesters may be obliged to pay an hourly rate established by the office. Note that you must submit payment before initiating the search.

Final words

Don't wait almost ten working days to find and receive public records from government organizations when you can get the information with your mobile device and a proper network connection via a third-party site!

Truepeoplesearch.io is a top-ranking third-party website that offers a more convenient means to search for and locate public records in Alaska. It provides up-to-date information for free without compromising on the quality of the researched information.