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Key Performance Indicators

Department of Public Safety

Mission

The mission of the Department of Public Safety is to ensure public safety and enforce fish and wildlife laws.

Key Performance Indicators

FY2025 Management Plan as of 05/23/2025 (in thousands)
Department of Public Safety Totals FundingPositions
UGF
Funds		DGF
Funds		Other
Funds		Federal
Funds		Total
Funds		Full
Time		Part
Time		Non
Perm
$262,503.9$9,883.5$14,330.7$40,974.1$327,692.21,0031231
1:  Law Enforcement Patrol & Investigations
Response to crimes against persons and property, crime investigations, illegal drug and alcohol enforcement, service of criminal warrants and restraining orders, and assistance to and cooperation with local and national law enforcement entities. 		Funding Positions
UGF
Funds		 DGF
Funds		 Other
Funds		 Federal
Funds		 Total
Funds		 Full
Time		 Part
Time		 Non
Perm
$78,251.6 $75.0 $947.2 $9,882.2 $89,155.9 461 0 29
2:  Rural Law Enforcement
The Alaska State Troopers is the primary law enforcement agency in rural Alaska and provides search and rescue services. The Department of Public Safety contracts with non-profit organizations to provide department-trained Village Public Safety Officers in smaller villages. 		Funding Positions
UGF
Funds		 DGF
Funds		 Other
Funds		 Federal
Funds		 Total
Funds		 Full
Time		 Part
Time		 Non
Perm
$43,042.1 $2,036.0 $596.2 $3,045.0 $48,719.3 10 0 0
3:  Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Programs
Alaska State Troopers work across Alaska to prevent and investigate DV/SA crimes, including crimes against children. The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault works to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault, and funds assistance for victims and their families. 		Funding Positions
UGF
Funds		 DGF
Funds		 Other
Funds		 Federal
Funds		 Total
Funds		 Full
Time		 Part
Time		 Non
Perm
$45,017.5 $2,004.6 $954.8 $13,944.4 $61,921.3 26 0 0
4:  Statewide Public Safety Programs
Provides state, local, and federal criminal justice agencies with specialized support including information systems, training, certification standards, prisoner transport and court security, criminal records, scientific crime lab, fire safety, and building inspections. 		Funding Positions
UGF
Funds		 DGF
Funds		 Other
Funds		 Federal
Funds		 Total
Funds		 Full
Time		 Part
Time		 Non
Perm
$47,678.8 $5,567.9 $9,095.4 $12,562.5 $74,904.6 330 0 2
5:  Resource Protection
Alaska Wildlife Troopers perform air, land, and marine patrols, public educational contacts, and investigations to enforce sport and commercial fishing, trapping, hunting, subsistence, guiding, and boating safety laws. 		Funding Positions
UGF
Funds		 DGF
Funds		 Other
Funds		 Federal
Funds		 Total
Funds		 Full
Time		 Part
Time		 Non
Perm
$46,076.2 $200.0 $1,005.4 $1,520.0 $48,801.6 169 12 0
6:  Highway Safety
The Alaska State Troopers and partnering police agencies provide highway patrol and targeted traffic enforcement including highway safety corridors, holiday traffic, construction zone, and collision investigations along the state highway system. 		Funding Positions
UGF
Funds		 DGF
Funds		 Other
Funds		 Federal
Funds		 Total
Funds		 Full
Time		 Part
Time		 Non
Perm
$2,437.7 $0.0 $1,731.7 $20.0 $4,189.4 6 0 0

Performance Detail

Priority 1: Law Enforcement Patrol & Investigations
    Target #1: 35% of property crimes reported result in the identification of a suspect or offender.

Methodology: The Alaska State Troopers are currently undergoing a federally mandated change in how federal crimes are reported. This includes transitioning away from the Uniform Crime Reporting Summary (UCR Summary) and moving to the new Uniform Crime Reporting National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) standard. The way crime and events are counted is different in NIBRS and will be reflected as such in these performance measures. Years prior to 2012 that were previously included in this data have been deleted, because the new data is not available for those years.
The graph is limited to reflect a ten-year view for ease of viewing.
Percentage of Property Crimes Investigated and Closed with the Identification of a Suspect or Offender
Fiscal Year
# of Incidents
w/Suspect / Offender ID
Percent
FY 2024
1797
-13.77%
961
-4.09%
53.5%
FY 2023
2084
-23.94%
1002
-10.05%
48%
FY 2022
2740
-16.59%
1114
-13.17%
40.7%
FY 2021
3285
-19.21%
1283
-20.66%
39.1%
FY 2020
4066
-13.76%
1617
-3.46%
39.8%
FY 2019
4715
+3.06%
1675
+0.60%
35.5%
FY 2018
4575
-6.12%
1665
+0.67%
36.4%
FY 2017
4873
+6.03%
1654
+4.55%
33.9%
FY 2016
4596
+8.24%
1582
-4.00%
34.4%
FY 2015
4246
+4.92%
1648
+9.87%
38.8%
Analysis of results and challenges: This metric provides the Alaska State Troopers (AST) the measuring point to evaluate the quality of its initial response to an investigation of property crimes, resulting in an enhanced ability to identify suspects or offenders. Data was gathered from DPS records management software database records of incident reports.

AST reports the number of property crimes within their primary jurisdiction. Property crimes include offenses such as burglary, theft, and criminal mischief. These data include attempted and unfounded burglaries, since they often require the same amount of investigative time to reach an appropriate conclusion. This metric was initially developed in FY2009 and modified in FY2014 to include theft and criminal mischief offenses to better reflect the results of ASTs efforts. Calendar year information is reported to allow for greater accuracy in the data collected due to incident closure time frames.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 01/02/2025

    Target #2: 100% homicide solve rate

Methodology: Source: Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Investigation (ABI). Data source change in FY2011 to include homicides outside AST jurisdiction where AST assumed investigative responsibility.
Percentage of Homicides Closed with Suspect Identified
Fiscal Year
Number of Homicides
Homicides Closed
Percentage Solved
FY 2024
23
-20.69%
21
-27.59%
91%
FY 2023
29
-30.95%
29
-27.50%
100%
FY 2022
42
+20.00%
40
+21.21%
89%
FY 2021
35
0%
33
0%
94%
FY 2020
35
-2.78%
33
-8.33%
94%
FY 2019
36
-20.00%
36
-20.00%
100%
FY 2018
45
-11.76%
45
-10.00%
100%
FY 2017
51
+2.00%
50
0%
98%
FY 2016
50
+11.11%
50
+11.11%
100%
FY 2015
45
+32.35%
45
+36.36%
100%
FY 2014
34
+54.55%
33
+50.00%
97%
Analysis of results and challenges: Numbers represent homicides (defined as criminal murders) in AST jurisdiction as well as homicides outside AST jurisdiction where AST has assumed investigative responsibility. Unsolved homicide investigations are on-going and are often closed long after the incident, depending on a wide variety of circumstances. In FY2024, that Alaska Bureau of Investigation did not meet its goal for 100% homicide close rate with a suspect identified.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 01/02/2025

Priority 2: Rural Law Enforcement
Priority 3: Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Programs
    Target #1: As a result of contact with a victim service program, 80% of participants know more ways to plan for their safety

Methodology: Links:
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault www.dps.alaska.gov/CDVSA/
Percentage of Victim Service Participants Indicating Positive Program Impact
Fiscal Year
Percent YTD
FY 2024
94%
FY 2023
90%
FY 2022
86%
FY 2021
87%
FY 2020
90%
FY 2019
89%
FY 2018
85%
FY 2017
83%
FY 2016
85%
FY 2015
86%
FY 2014
85%
FY 2013
87%
FY 2012
92%
FY 2011
93%
FY 2010
92%
FY 2009
93%
Analysis of results and challenges: Data for this measure is gathered through confidential surveys completed by program participants when they exit program services. This data is a compilation of the data received from the community victim services programs. Research has demonstrated that increasing victims" knowledge of safety planning and community resources leads to increased safety and well-being over time. Alaska is participating in a national outcome measures project that uses this measure to monitor reduced violence and increase quality of life for victims over time.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 01/02/2025

Priority 4: Statewide Public Safety Programs
    Target #1: Reduce unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annual fatalities

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

. A note on methodology: The graph has been simplified with replacing the floating 5-year averages by a fixed target. The target was achieved by averaging the number of unintentional fatalities over a 10-year period, subtracting 5%, and dividing by 10. The target itself is, however, not acceptable--only zero fire fatalities are acceptable.
Number of Fatal Fires with DF&LS Authority vs Number of Fatal Fires with No DF&LS Authority
Year
Total Fatalities
No F&LS Authority
Within F&LS Auth
2023
23
-4.17%
17
-26.09%
0
-100.00%
2022
24
+20.00%
23
+21.05%
1
0%
2021
20
+25.00%
19
+26.67%
1
0%
2020
16
-11.11%
15
-6.25%
1
-50.00%
2019
18
+63.64%
16
+45.45%
2
0%
2018
11
-42.11%
11
-35.29%
0
-100.00%
2017
19
+5.56%
17
0%
2
+100.00%
2016
18
+5.88%
17
0%
1
0%
2015
17
+41.67%
17
+41.67%
0
0%
2014
12
-25.00%
12
-20.00%
0
-100.00%
2013
16
-30.43%
15
-25.00%
1
-66.67%
2012
23
+109.09%
20
+100.00%
3
+200.00%
2011
11
-8.33%
10
-16.67%
1
0%
2010
12
-45.45%
12
-42.86%
0
-100.00%
2009
22
+15.79%
21
+23.53%
1
-50.00%
2008
19
-20.83%
17
-22.73%
2
0%
2007
24
+14.29%
22
+15.79%
2
0%
2006
21
19
2
Analysis of results and challenges: In 2023, the division had a 100 percent decrease in fire fatalities with none occurring under the division"s statutory authority. There were 20 fire fatalities that occurred in structures. Of these, 12 occurred in one or two-family dwellings, four occurred in a multi-residential structure, one occurred in a mechanical building, one occurred in a mobile home and two occurred in a travel trailer used as a primary residence. One fire fatality occurred in a vehicle and two occurred in tarp/tents. The division reduced unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annually. Of the 20 fire fatalities, five occurred within deferred jurisdictions. The division had significant success in all other occupancy types where it is empowered by statutory authority to act.

Smoke alarms were not installed, failed to work or undermined in 83% of the residences where fire fatalities occurred. Alcohol or drug use-related fire fatalities increased by 42% (from 12 in 2022 to 17 in 2023). To address this, DFLS applied for a Grant through the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for underserved populations.

Fire and Life Safety data are reported on a calendar year basis. Visit http://dps.alaska.gov/fire/AlaskaFireStatistics for annual reports and more information.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 01/02/2025

    Target #2: State and national criminal justice information is released to authorized entities within 10 working days of receipt of the request

Methodology: This chart was updated in FY2025 to show a five-year time span for easier viewing.
Average Number of Days to Disseminate Criminal History Information by Criminal Records and Identification
Fiscal Year
YTD Total
FY 2024
3.6
-23.40%
FY 2023
4.7
-6.00%
FY 2022
5
0%
FY 2021
5
0%
FY 2020
5
0%
Analysis of results and challenges: The graph reflects the average processing time for all non-criminal justice fingerprint submissions, which excludes resubmission times for fingerprints originally rejected by state or FBI fingerprint examiners. Staffing continues to be problematic in the applicant records unit and aging systems with frequent delays and outages add additional workloads to existing operational and programming staff. The systems used to process the fingerprint submissions and the resulting criminal history record reports are over 30 years old.
The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) modernization project to replace these systems is anticipated to resolve many of the technical challenges while also reducing the burden on limited information technology staff in the department and the state. The modern system should also increase the opportunity to implement and leverage more automated processes, high-speed fingerprint card scanners, and decrease processing times further.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 01/02/2025

    Target #3: 30% of all buildings scheduled for priority fire and life safety building inspections to be found in compliance at time of inspection

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety



In FY2013, the type of chart used was changed and the total number of inspections completed is provided to show context to the number of buildings in and out of compliance.
Percentage of Buildings in Compliance with Legal Standards According to Inspections
Fiscal Year
Total Inspections
Buildings in Compliance
YT0D % in Compliance
FY 2024
1202
+182.16%
219
-8.75%
18.22%
FY 2023
426
-35.84%
240
+6.19%
56%
FY 2022
664
+214.69%
226
+425.58%
34%
FY 2021
211
-19.47%
43
-38.57%
20%
FY 2020
262
-83.79%
70
-85.66%
26.72%
FY 2019
1616
+91.24%
488
+577.78%
30.19%
FY 2018
845
-37.41%
72
-79.13%
8.52%
FY 2017
1,350
-39.62%
345
+25.00%
25.56%
FY 2016
2,236
+17.87%
276
-73.20%
12.34%
FY 2015
1,897
-9.06%
1,030
+168.93%
54.3%
FY 2014
2,086
-31.63%
383
-67.40%
18.4%
FY 2013
3,051
+14.48%
1,175
+76.43%
38.5%
FY 2012
2,665
+5.38%
666
+13.07%
25%
FY 2011
2,529
+15.96%
589
+12.19%
23.3%
FY 2010
2,181
-3.32%
525
-38.60%
24.1%
FY 2009
2,256
+46.21%
855
+55.74%
37.9%
FY 2008
1,543
+134.14%
549
+205.00%
35.6%
FY 2007
659
180
27.3%
Analysis of results and challenges: The number of fire inspections increased by 776 or 71.68% in FY2024. The division did not meet its target of 30% of buildings found to be in compliance with fire standards. Deputy Fire Marshals (DFMs) conducted 988 fire inspections. The increase in number of inspections from FY2024 was attributable to new electronic data base being developed and only one deputy fire marshal position being vacant. The TransAlaska Pipeline Specialist conducted 214 fire inspections with 196 buildings in compliance.
Prioritization of commercial building inspections continues to be based upon those occupancies that are at greatest risk of fire-related injuries, fatalities, property loss, and community impact. The division is striving to increase owner/occupant hazard awareness and self-inspections so a greater number of buildings will be found in compliance with legal standards at the time of inspection.

When an inspection generates an Order to Correct Deficiencies, each deficiency must be rectified as mandated by the Alaska Supreme Court in Adams vs. the State of Alaska. The Life Safety Inspection Bureau conducted 5852 follow up actions associated with correcting inspection deficiencies, conducting investigations, and providing technical assistance in FY2024.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 11/04/2024

    Target #4: 90% of non-DNA requests for laboratory services with a turnaround time less than 30 days

Methodology:
Percentage of State Crime Laboratory non-DNA Service Requests Accomplished in Less than 30 Days
Fiscal Year
Requests under 30 days
FY 2024
63%
FY 2023
38%
FY 2022
60%
FY 2021
48%
Analysis of results and challenges: The SCDL saw a 25% improvement in this metric during FY2024. This number is lower for the first half of FY2024 as the SCDL was completing casework that was submitted during a staffing shortage in the Seized Drugs discipline. For the second half of FY 2024 these averages over 70%. A significant proportion of the improvement this FY is due to processing times improving in the Seized Drugs discipline. The Seized Drugs discipline had two forensic scientists complete their training during reporting period. Once fully trained, they had a significant impact on the ability to produce casework within 30 days.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 11/05/2024

    Target #5: Less than 5% of unworked requests for laboratory service are over 120 days old
Percentage of State Crime Laboratory Service Unreleased Requests Over 120 Days Old
Fiscal Year
Percentage over 120 days
Total # Requested
FY 2024
49%
3544
-3.85%
FY 2023
4%
3686
-6.21%
FY 2022
18%
3,930
+14.78%
FY 2021
21%
3,424
+6.20%
FY 2020
20%
3,224
+8.04%
FY 2019
20%
2,984
-5.78%
Analysis of results and challenges: The reduction/elimination of backlogged requests for service continues to be a high priority. 49% of unreleased requests at the SCDL have been at the SCDL longer than 120 days. Twenty-five percent of these requests are or have been in a pending status, meaning that work could not be conducted immediately. Common reasons for pending analysis are “Awaiting More Information from the Submitter”, “Awaiting Reference Samples”, “Awaiting Completion of Another Request” and “Awaiting More Evidence”. The majority of unreleased requests over 120 days old are from the DNA section that had a 20% turnover which reduced capacity for completing casework due the vacancies and then for existing staff to recruit and train new staff; the training program for new forensic scientists is 12 months. All forensic scientist positions are now filled after recruitments were expanded nationwide due to due to a lack of applicants in state.

*Unreleased requests include all casework in progress that is not yet complete.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 11/05/2024

Priority 5: Resource Protection
    Target #1: Reduce recreational boating accident deaths to fewer than 14 annual fatalities

*Proposed change is a title change only to target and graph

Methodology: Source: U.S. Coast Guard

The target is a 10-year average of recreational boating deaths from 2013-2022.

Links:

Alaska DNR Office of Boating Safety www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/boating/index.htm
U.S. Coast Guard statistics www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_stats.htm
Alaska Wildlife Troopers www.dps.alaska.gov/AWT/
Number of Alaska Boating Accident Fatalities
Year
YTD Total
Target- less than 14
2023
20
+100.00%
14
0%
2022
10
-28.57%
14
0%
2021
14
-41.67%
14
0%
2020
24
+118.18%
14
0%
2019
11
-47.62%
14
0%
2018
21
+5.00%
14
0%
2017
20
+25.00%
14
0%
2016
16
+128.57%
14
0%
2015
7
0%
14
0%
2014
7
-30.00%
14
0%
Analysis of results and challenges: Fatalities from recreational boating accidents doubled from 10 in 2022 to 20 in 2023. The target of 14 or less recreational boating deaths was not met.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers (AWT) are working to increase boating safety education and checking for compliance with law and regulation, including personal flotation device possession and use -- especially education among adults, as adult deaths continue to make up most fatalities. The majority of this effort is made up of face-to-face field contacts and providing personal flotation devices when members of the public are encountered that do not have access to this equipment.

AWT conducted several targeted boating safety patrols during the past year in responses to public requests and historically busy weekends. Troopers investigate recreational boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities in state waters.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 11/05/2024

    Target #2: Wildlife violations detected less than 5% of total resource user contacts

Methodology: Chart updated to show visibility of only ten-year view FY15-FY24

Links:

Alaska Wildlife Troopers www.dps.alaska.gov/AWT/
Alaska DNR Office of Boating Safety www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/boating/index.htm
Percentage of Wildlife Violations Detected per User Contacts by Alaska Wildlife Troopers
Fiscal Year
# of Contacts
# of Violations Detected
% Violations/Contacts
FY 2024
51,674
+31.20%
1927
+20.36%
3.7%
FY 2023
39,387
-20.39%
1601
-25.95%
4.1%
FY 2022
49,475
-27.86%
2,162
-40.04%
4.3%
FY 2021
68,586
+23.25%
3,606
-5.21%
5.3%
FY 2020
55,648
-17.95%
3,804
-8.00%
5.1%
FY 2019
67,822
+23.60%
4,135
+60.46%
6.09%
FY 2018
54,874
-11.09%
2,577
-14.98%
4.69%
FY 2017
61,719
-23.91%
3,031
-18.37%
4.91%
FY 2016
81,109
+8.12%
3,713
-8.39%
4.57%
FY 2015
75,016
-0.95%
4,053
+4.65%
5.40%
Analysis of results and challenges: The number of resource users contacted by Alaska Wildlife Troopers (AWT) increased from FY2023. Wildlife violations detected also increased although the percentage citations issued per contact user decreased.

These numbers do not include citations written by wildlife troopers for non-natural resource law violations, such as those generated for traffic enforcement or other general law enforcement duties. AWT is attempting to focus efforts where concerns for populations of wild stocks of fish and game are high, but the opportunity to contact the general public engaged in hunting and fishing activity are often reduced. In addition, AWT vacant positions have shifted in the past year from occurring in rural areas to urban areas. Troopers assigned to rural areas typically have fewer contacts than those assigned to urban areas due to the volume of resource users encountered.

Targeting 95% compliance is a reasonable goal. Less than 95% compliance indicates a need to reevaluate enforcement presence and education efforts.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 01/02/2025

Priority 6: Highway Safety
    Target #1: 10% reduction from the previous three-year average of deaths as a result of motor vehicle crashes (MVC)

Methodology: Note: Reporting methodology was changed in 2021, beginning with 2014. All years prior to 2014 have been deleted from the table/graph and all other numbers have been updated from 2014 to current.

Source: Alaska State Troopers
Number of Fatalities from Motor Vehicle Crashes
Fiscal Year
MVC Yearly Fatalities
FY 2024
34
0%
FY 2023
34
-10.53%
FY 2022
38
+15.15%
FY 2021
33
-8.33%
FY 2020
36
-23.40%
FY 2019
47
+14.63%
FY 2018
41
-26.79%
FY 2017
56
+55.56%
FY 2016
36
-12.20%
FY 2015
41
+64.00%
FY 2014
25
Analysis of results and challenges: This target reflects one measure of the overall safety of vehicular traffic. In addition to enforcement of traffic regulations and laws, the department is actively involved in media campaigns to raise public awareness of highway safety issues. The Alaska Bureau of Highway Patrol saw a high number of fatal crashes in low traffic areas of the state that are not connected to the state road system. Most of the variables affecting the motor vehicle crash rate, such as road design, weather conditions, vehicle age and mechanical condition, etc., are not within the department"s control.

This table shows motor vehicle crashes within the Alaska State Troopers" patrol area. These data are reported on a fiscal year basis.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 11/04/2024

    Target #2: 10% reduction from the previous three-year average of driving under the influence (DUI) fatalities

Methodology: * Data reported for area of AST jurisdiction only.
**FY2022 Data Unavailable
FY2023 and FY2024 "Prior 3-yr avg" and "Target -10% Reduction" are calculation with prior available years data (excludes FY2022).
Data limited to show ten-year view for ease of reading.
Source: Alaska State Troopers
Motor Vehicle Crashes with Fatalities involving Impaired Drivers
Fiscal Year
MVC Yearly Fatalities
FY 2024
4
+300.00%
FY 2023
1
FY 2022

FY 2021
0
-100.00%
FY 2020
3
-75.00%
FY 2019
12
+33.33%
FY 2018
9
-57.14%
FY 2017
21
+75.00%
FY 2016
12
-25.00%
FY 2015
16
+45.45%
Analysis of results and challenges: The Department receives Alaska Highway Safety Office funding to support some specialized High Visibility DUI enforcement efforts. Targeted enforcement at special events like the Palmer State Fair and other events have been highly effective at removing impaired drivers from the road. However, the number and severity of accidents involve many other factors which are often outside the control or influence of police agencies. Some of the accidents were on low traffic areas that are not connected to the state road system. Data is from fatal crash events where impaired drivers were identified as being involved in the event.

This table shows motor vehicle crashes within the Alaska State Troopers patrol area. Statewide data from the Alaska Highway Safety Office (DOT/PF) were reported in prior years. These data are reported on a calendar-year basis. Calendar year information is reported to allow for greater accuracy in the data collected due to incident closure time frames.

*In 2016 it was discovered that the grid used in previous budget submissions (see below) contained only the number for crashes that included an impaired driver when that person was charged with DUI. The grid was subsequently updated to include incidents where drivers were impaired but not charged. An example would be where a single vehicle crash occurred and the driver was found to be impaired. We believe that the grid above more accurately shows the connection between impairment and fatal crashes.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 11/08/2024

Last refreshed: 05/23/2025 05:00 pm