Key Performance Indicators

Department of Public Safety

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Mission

The mission of the Department of Public Safety is to ensure public safety and enforce fish and wildlife laws. AS 44.41.020

Key Performance Indicators

• Target: As a result of contact with a victim service program, 80% of participants know more ways to plan for their safety

• Target: Reduce unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annual fatalities

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

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

• Target: 90% of requests for laboratory services with a turnaround time less than 30 days

• Target: Less than 5% of unworked requests for laboratory service are over 120 days old

• Target: Reduce recreational boating accident deaths to fewer than 14 annual fatalities

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

• Target: 10% reduction from the previous three-year average of deaths as a result of motor vehicle crashes (MVC)

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

Performance Detail

Target #1: 35% of property crimes reported result in the identification of a suspect or offender. Methodology: Source: Alaska UCR Data Percentage of Property Crimes Investigated and Closed with the Identification of a Suspect or Offender Year # of Incidents w/Suspect / Offender ID Percent 2021 2461 818 33% 2020 3827 1500 39% 2019 4615 1629 35% 2018 4541 1640 36% 2017 4882 1639 36% 2016 4613 1557 34% 2015 4226 1602 38% 2014 4147 1469 35% 2013 3855 1358 35% 2012 4201 1216 24.1% 2011 4761 1247 26% 2010 4624 1201 26% 2009 4765 1139 24% 2008 4595 1108 24% 2007 5014 1243 25% 2006 5043 1288 26% 2005 5161 1488 29% 2004 4781 1498 31% Analysis of results and challenges: This metric provides the Alaska State Troopers the measuring point to evaluate the quality of its initial response to and 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:    • Alaska UCR Data    • FBI UCR Data

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 2021 35 0% 33 0% 94% FY 2020 35 -2.78% 33 -8.33% 94% FY 2019 36 -20% 36 -20% 100% FY 2018 45 -11.76% 45 -10% 100% FY 2017 51 +2% 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% 97% FY 2013 22 +57.14% 22 +83.33% 100% FY 2012 14 -22.22% 12 -29.41% 86% FY 2011 18 +63.64% 17 +70% 94% FY 2010 11 +10% 10 0% 91% FY 2009 10 -23.08% 10 -9.09% 100% FY 2008 13 +8.33% 11 +10% 85% FY 2007 12 +50% 10 +42.86% 83% FY 2006 8 7 88% 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. Related links:    • Alaska Bureau of Investigation

Target #1: As a result of contact with a victim service program, 80% of participants know more ways to plan for their safety Percentage of Victim Service Participants Indicating Positive Program Impact Fiscal Year Percent YTD 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 are 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 increased quality of life for victims over time. Related links:    • Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

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 2020 16 -11.11% 15 -6.25% 1 -50% 2019 18 +63.64% 16 +45.45% 2 0% 2018 11 -42.11% 11 -35.29% 0 -100% 2017 19 +5.56% 17 0% 2 +100% 2016 18 +5.88% 17 0% 1 0% 2015 17 +41.67% 17 +41.67% 0 0% 2014 12 -25% 12 -20% 0 -100% 2013 16 -30.43% 15 -25% 1 -66.67% 2012 23 +109.09% 20 +100% 3 +200% 2011 11 -8.33% 10 -16.67% 1 0% 2010 12 -45.45% 12 -42.86% 0 -100% 2009 22 +15.79% 21 +23.53% 1 -50% 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 2020, Alaska had an 11% decrease in fire fatalities with one occurring under the division's statutory authority. There were 16 fire fatalities that occurred in structures. Of these, seven occurred in one or two-family dwellings, four occurred in a multi-residential structure, one occurred in a motel/restaurant building and four occurred in a mobile home. The division did not reduce unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annually. Of the 16 fire fatalities, nine occurred within deferred jurisdictions. The division had significant success in all other occupancy types where it is empowered to act by statutory authority. Smoke alarms failed to work, or were not installed or undermined in 44% of the residences where fire fatalities occurred. Alcohol or drug use-related fire fatalities decreased by 67% (from 9 in 2019 to 3 in 2020). 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:    • Alaska Fire Statistics

Target #2: State and national criminal justice information is released to authorized entities within 10 working days of receipt of the request Average Number of Days to Disseminate Criminal History Information by Criminal Records and Identification Fiscal Year YTD Total FY 2021 5 0% FY 2020 5 0% FY 2019 5 -16.67% FY 2018 6 -69.23% FY 2017 19.5 +290% FY 2016 5 -44.44% FY 2015 9 -75% FY 2014 36 +200% FY 2013 12 +200% FY 2012 4 +33.33% FY 2011 3 0% FY 2010 3 -97.2% FY 2009 107 +50.7% FY 2008 71 +115.15% FY 2007 33 Analysis of results and challenges: FY2017, turnaround time was severely impacted by staffing shortages in both the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) Section and the Records Section. Staffing resources in the Records Section were readjusted in the latter part of FY2017, and a restructuring of the ABIS Section occurred in FY2018. In FY2019, the ABIS training program had their 'graduate' with a second one set to graduate in early FY2020. In FY2021, the ABIS system will be upgraded and this coupled with the staffing stability is anticipated to further reduce processing times. However, the entire fingerprinting process relies on several outdated programming components and processes which will continue to have a negative impact until each can be replaced or updated. The DPS fingerprinting process is comprised of some key components based on significantly outdated technology platforms that have been a challenge for limited programming staff to resolve and continue to support. Federal grant funding has been awarded to in FY2020 to begin work to replace the criminal history repository, a crucial first step to restructuring the fingerprinting process and eventually replacing outdated components. Related links:    • Background Check Requests homepage

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 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% 25.56% FY 2016 2,236 +17.87% 276 -73.2% 12.34% FY 2015 1,897 -9.06% 1,030 +168.93% 54.3% FY 2014 2,086 -31.63% 383 -67.4% 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 -38.6% 24.1% FY 2009 2,256 +46.21% 855 +55.74% 37.9% FY 2008 1,543 +134.14% 549 +205% 35.6% FY 2007 659 180 27.3% Analysis of results and challenges: The number of fire inspections decreased by 51, or 19%, in FY2021. The division did not meet its target of 30% of buildings found to be in compliance with fire standards. Deputy Fire Marshals (DFMs) conducted 211 fire inspections. The decreased number of inspections from FY2020 was attributable to one vacant deputy fire marshal position and COVID-19. The TransAlaska Pipeline fire inspections scheduled for FY2021 were not conducted due to COVID-19. 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. There were 4,626 follow up communication actions in support of the 211 fire inspections in FY2021. Related links:    • Division of Fire and Life Safety

Target #4: 90% of requests for laboratory services with a turnaround time less than 30 days Methodology: A Legislative Audit conducted in FY2017 found that the records for Laboratory Services were not accurately kept. The data from FY2010-FY2016 reflected in this graph has been updated to reflect accurate records. Percentage of State Crime Laboratory Service Requests Accomplished in Less than 30 Days Fiscal Year Requests < 30 days FY 2021 35% FY 2020 33% FY 2019 53% FY 2018 47% FY 2017 59% FY 2016 61% FY 2015 58% FY 2014 63% FY 2013 47% FY 2012 64% FY 2011 58% FY 2010 58% Analysis of results and challenges: Related links:    • Alaska State Crime Laboratory

Target #5: Less than 5% of unworked requests for laboratory service are over 120 days old Methodology: A Legislative Audit conducted in FY2017 found that the records for Laboratory Services were not accurately kept. The data from FY2010-FY2016 reflected in this graph has been updated to reflect accurate records. Percentage of State Crime Laboratory Service Requests Over 120 Days Old Fiscal Year Percentage over 120 days Total # Requested FY 2021 21% 3,424 +6.2% FY 2020 20% 3,224 +8.04% FY 2019 20% 2,984 -5.78% FY 2018 11% 3,167 +1.09% FY 2017 8% 3,133 -3.69% FY 2016 10% 3,253 -12.39% FY 2015 13% 3,713 -3.18% FY 2014 8% 3,835 +7.33% FY 2013 13% 3,573 +4.84% FY 2012 13% 3,408 -1.42% FY 2011 9% 3,457 +4.47% FY 2010 9% 3,309 Analysis of results and challenges: The target goal of less than 5% of unworked requests for laboratory service over 120 days old was not met in FY2021, but remained pretty static compared to FY2019 and FY2020. The reduction/elimination of backlogged requests for service continue to be a high priority. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to thwart progress for the majority of FY21. In person training of stakeholders and staff was more difficult to accomplish during this time frame as well as increased absences due to illness and quarantining. Telework was utilized to offset some of these issues. Related links:    • Alaska State Crime Laboratory

Target #1: Reduce recreational boating accident deaths to fewer than 14 annual fatalities Year YTD Total Quarter 7 2013 0 0% 0 0% 2012 0 0% 0 0% 2011 0 0% 0 0% 2010 0 0% 0 0% 2009 0 0% 0 0% 2008 0 0% 0 0% 2007 0 0 Analysis of results and challenges: 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 the majority of fatalities. AWT conducted several targeted boating safety patrols during the past year in conjunction with advertised national campaigns and on historically busy weekends. Troopers investigate recreational boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities in state waters. Related links:    • Alaska DNR Office of Boating Safety    • U.S. Coast Guard statistics    • Alaska Wildlife Troopers

Target #2: Wildlife violations detected less than 5% of total resource user contacts Percentage of Wildlife Violations Detected per User Contacts by Alaska Wildlife Troopers Fiscal Year # of Contacts # of Violations Detected % Violations/Contacts FY 2021 68,586 +23.25% 3,606 -5.21% 5.3% FY 2020 55,648 -17.95% 3,804 -8% 5.1% FY 2019 67,822 +23.6% 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% FY 2014 75,732 +8.58% 3,873 -5.21% 5.11% FY 2013 69,749 -7.77% 4,086 +0.25% 5.86% FY 2012 75,624 -11.93% 4,076 -2.39% 5.39% FY 2011 85,867 +4.29% 4,176 +4.01% 4.86% FY 2010 82,336 +30.55% 4,015 -15.33% 4.88% FY 2009 63,068 +7.65% 4,742 -5.07% 7.52% FY 2008 58,584 +6.69% 4,995 -17.89% 8.53% FY 2007 54,912 6,083 11.08% Analysis of results and challenges: The number of resource users contacted by Alaska Wildlife Troopers (AWT) increased from FY2020. Wildlife violations detected also increased slightly as a percentage of total contacts over the previous year. 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 has 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:    • Alaska Wildlife Troopers

Target #1: 10% reduction from the previous three-year average of deaths as a result of motor vehicle crashes (MVC) Methodology: Note: Data source changed in CY2007; data now reported for area of AST jurisdiction only. Source: Alaska State Troopers Number of Fatalities from Motor Vehicle Crashes Year MVC Yearly Fatalities 2021 33 -8.33% 2020 36 -23.4% 2019 47 +14.63% 2018 41 -26.79% 2017 56 +55.56% 2016 36 -12.2% 2015 41 +64% 2014 25 -16.67% 2013 30 -23.08% 2012 39 -13.33% 2011 45 +7.14% 2010 42 +23.53% 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 calendar-year basis. Calendar year information is reported to allow for greater accuracy in the data collected due to incident closure time frames. Related links:    • Alaska State Troopers

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. Source: Alaska State Troopers Motor Vehicle Crashes with Fatalities involving Impaired Drivers Year MVC Yearly Fatalities 2020 3 -75% 2019 12 +33.33% 2018 9 -57.14% 2017 21 +75% 2016 12 -25% 2015 16 +45.45% 2014 11 +120% 2013 5 -54.55% 2012 11 +37.5% 2011 8 -33.33% 2010 12 -42.86% 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:    • Alaska State Troopers

Current as of December 2, 2021