In a recent Anchorage Assembly meeting, community members voiced strong concerns regarding the Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the ongoing issues surrounding police accountability and oversight. For nearly five years, families affected by police violence and local activists have been advocating for reforms, yet they feel their calls have largely gone unheeded by city officials.

One speaker highlighted the problematic rollout of police body-worn cameras, criticizing previous administrations for allowing APD to dictate the public engagement process. The speaker emphasized that the creation of the new body camera policy lacked public input, particularly in light of recent reforms following the high-profile case of Easter Laifa. They expressed frustration that the municipality appears to be repeating past mistakes by sidelining community voices in favor of nonprofit organizations, which they argue have conflicts of interest and insufficient experience in this area.

The need for a robust civilian oversight model was underscored, with calls for the involvement of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) to ensure a democratic and collaborative approach. An upcoming educational session hosted by the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) Anchorage was announced, inviting Assembly members and the media to engage in discussions about independent police reports and oversight.

Another community member, Cynthia Gatchappin, raised alarm over a recent surge in officer-involved shootings, noting that the Assembly has been slow to respond to these critical issues. She recounted her long history of advocating for accountability and transparency in APD's handling of such incidents, emphasizing the need for the Assembly to take responsibility for its role in funding the police department.

The meeting highlighted a growing tension between community demands for accountability and the perceived inaction of local government, as residents continue to seek meaningful reforms to ensure public safety and justice.