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: Increase by 5% over the previous year the number of training hours provided to Village Public Safety Officers and other rural law enforcement personnel

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

• Target: 100% of sex offender registrations are available online

• 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 service 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 2017 4,617 1,529 33% 2016 4,567 1,490 33% 2015 4,213 1,580 38% 2014 3,918 1,446 37% 2013 3,855 1,358 35% 2012 4,201 1,216 29% 2011 4,761 1,247 26% 2010 4,624 1,201 26% 2009 4,765 1,139 24% 2008 4,595 1,108 24% 2007 5,014 1,243 25% 2006 5,043 1,288 26% 2005 5,161 1,488 29% 2004 4,781 1,498 31% 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, with the end result an enhanced ability to identify suspects or offenders. 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. The target is based on a review of the data over the last ten years. 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 Solved by Alaska State Troopers Fiscal Year Number of Homicides Homicides Solved Percentage Solved FY 2018 22 20 91% FY 2017 22 20 91% FY 2016 25 21 84% FY 2015 28 22 79% FY 2014 18 16 88% FY 2013 22 22 100% FY 2012 14 12 86% FY 2011 18 17 94% FY 2010 11 10 91% FY 2009 10 10 100% FY 2008 13 11 85% FY 2007 12 10 83% FY 2006 8 7 88% Analysis of results and challenges: Numbers represent homicides in Alaska State Trooper (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: Increase by 5% over the previous year the number of training hours provided to Village Public Safety Officers and other rural law enforcement personnel Methodology: The measurement was changed in FY 2015 to accurately represent what we can measure and improve upon. The previous measure, while allowing us to capture data, was not a measure that we were able to impact through corrective action. The previous measure relied upon man hours of training however we have no control over how many officers attend sponsored training. Village Public Safety Officer / Rural Law Enforcement Personnel Training Hours Fiscal Year LE Personnel Trained Training Hours Provided Target Percent Inc / Dec FY 2018 61 3,240 5% 47% FY 2017 53 2,199 5% -7% FY 2016 167 2,374 5% 65% FY 2015 124 1,435 5% 27% FY 2014 179 1,128 * * Analysis of results and challenges: The department is committed to rural law enforcement with statewide leadership in training. Through the efforts of the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) Program, the department has fostered innovative approaches to training and opportunities for not only VPSOs, but additionally for Village Police Officers, Tribal Police Officers, and other rural Law Enforcement Officers. Due to significant budget cuts, the Department has had to scale back on the number of training hours offered, thus, an overall decrease in the number of training hours will continue to be the trend. All training is designed to improve the rural law enforcement skills and public safety capabilities of these first responders.

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 # of Responses # Affirmative Percent YTD FY 2018 2,785 2,319 85% FY 2017 2,470 2,050 83% FY 2016 2,510 2,136 85% FY 2015 2,511 2,159 86% FY 2014 2,466 2,090 85% FY 2013 2,729 2,375 87% FY 2012 3,061 2,813 92% FY 2011 2,985 2,761 93% FY 2010 2,655 2,454 92% FY 2009 1,978 1,833 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 #2: 100% of sex offender registrations are available online Methodology: This is measured by comparing the total number of known sex offenders in Alaska to the number of offenders whose records require additional research to determine registration duration or other issues. Percentage of Sex Offender Registrations Available On-line Fiscal Year Known Sex Offenders Requiring Research Percentage on Website FY 2018 3,528 +1.67% 10 -28.57% 99.72% FY 2017 3,470 +1.67% 14 -22.22% 99.60% FY 2016 3,413 +3.42% 18 +38.46% 99.44% FY 2015 3,300 +4.23% 13 -45.83% 99.61% FY 2014 3,166 +2.49% 24 +50% 99.24% FY 2013 3,089 +4.32% 16 0% 99.48% FY 2012 2,961 +3.82% 16 -5.88% 99.50% FY 2011 2,852 +6.5% 17 -46.88% 99.40% FY 2010 2,678 +5.85% 32 +433.33% 98.80% FY 2009 2,530 6 99.76% Analysis of results and challenges: In nearly every case in which an offender moves into Alaska from another state, additional information must be obtained in order to determine the comparable Alaska statute for registration requirements. Program analysis and development has resulted in the more efficient completion of research required to ensure accurate information on the Sex Offender Registration website, and has reduced the number of offenders' convictions requiring research prior to posting on the website. The target goal of 100% has not been met, however as policies and procedures are refined, the Sex Offender and Child Kidnapper Registration Office is becoming more proficient at obtaining required documentation and more efficient in completing registration requirement analysis on new registrants. Related links:    • Sex Offender Registry homepage

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 2017 19 17 2 2016 18 17 1 2015 17 17 0 2014 12 12 0 2013 16 15 1 2012 23 20 3 2011 11 10 1 2010 12 12 0 2009 22 21 1 2008 19 17 2 2007 24 22 2 2006 21 19 2 Analysis of results and challenges: There has continued to be an increase in fire fatalities. Compared to 2016, the number of fire fatalities went from 18 to 19, with two fire fatalities under the division’s statutory authority in 2017. In 2017, 16 fire fatalities occurred in buildings where the division has no statutory authority for plan reviews and fire inspections and one fire fatality occurred in an automobile. There were 18 fire fatalities that occurred in structures. 9 of the 18 fatalities occurred in one or two-family dwellings, six occurred in a multi-residential structure and three occurred in residential hotels. The division continues to have limited success of reducing unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annual fatalities due to the lack of residential building code and inspection authority, and little direct access to family residences. The division enjoys significant success in all other occupancy types where it is empowered to act. Smoke alarms failed to work or were not installed in 22% of the residences where fire fatalities occurred. Alcohol or drug-use related fire fatalities decreased to 22% in 2017. Fire and Life Safety data are reported on a calendar year basis. Visit http://dps.alaska.gov/fire/alaskafirestatistics.aspx 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 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: Through a significant re-engineering process, an additional fingerprint expert, temporary staffing reallocation, and intense staff effort, the Records and Identification Bureau (Bureau) remarkably improved processing time in FY2010. The Bureau was able to maintain this substantially reduced turnaround time in FY2011 and FY2012, and will continue to assess processes and procedures to further reduce the time it takes to process a background check for employment or licensing purposes. However, in FY2014, significant staffing changes occurred, resulting in a significant increase in the time it took to process fingerprints. FY2017’s 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. As expected, the uptick in processing time in FY2017 was an anomaly that was greatly reduced in FY2018 and the goal of disseminating criminal history information within 10 days has been met. As new ABIS employees complete their training, it is anticipated that processing times may be further reduced, hopefully to less than five working days from receipt to dissemination. 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 YTD % in Compliance FY 2018 845 72 8.52% FY 2017 1,350 345 25.56% FY 2016 2,236 276 12.34% FY 2015 1,897 1,030 54.3% FY 2014 2,086 383 18.4% FY 2013 3,051 1,175 38.5% FY 2012 2,665 666 25% FY 2011 2,529 589 23.3% FY 2010 2,181 525 24.1% FY 2009 2,256 855 37.9% FY 2008 1,543 549 35.6% FY 2007 659 180 27.3% Analysis of results and challenges: The number of fire inspections decreased in FY2018. Deputy Fire Marshals (DFMs) conducted 631 of the 845 fire inspections. The decrease in number of inspections from FY2017 was due to vacancies in two DFM I positions and a reduction in the travel budget. The lack of recruitment incentives and training benefits, coupled with competing job opportunities, causes difficulties in the retention of fully trained staff and this contributes to the division not being able to meet the target goal of 30%. The TransAlaska Pipeline Fire Safety Specialist conducted 214 fire inspections. This position is funded through a Reimbursable Service Agreement (RSA) with the Department of Natural Resources, Joint Pipeline Office. 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 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 960 follow up communication actions in support of the 845 fire inspections in FY2018. Related links:    • Division of Fire and Life Safety

Target #4: 90% of requests for laboratory service 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 Total # Requested FY 2018 47% 3,167 FY 2017 59% 3,133 FY 2016 61% 3,253 FY 2015 58% 3,713 FY 2014 63% 3,835 FY 2013 47% 3,573 FY 2012 64% 3,408 FY 2011 58% 3,457 FY 2010 58% 3,309 Analysis of results and challenges: Total requests do not include toxicology (outsourced), DNA database samples (reported under its own metric), or proficiency/training requests (internal requests necessary for the operation of the laboratory). Turnaround time is calculated as the time when a request for service is created until a scientific examination report is issued. 98% of Controlled Substance and 96% of Blood Alcohol Requests (47% of all requests for service) were completed in under 30 days. The Latent Print Examination staff assisted the Records and Identification component for four months with processing fingerprint backlog due to shortage of staff available. This resulted in a 50% reduction in analyst time for latent print processing and examination. This negatively impacted the turnaround time of Latent Print requests, with only 43% of requests for analysis completed in less than 30 days. Forensic Biology has changed its processes such that analysis that used to occur separately, with the generation of two scientific examination reports, now is performed as a single analysis. While overall more efficient, the total analysis time is typically 45 days, and as such a new metric will need to be developed specifically for Forensic Biology. The laboratory will work with Office of Management and Budget (OMB ) to add a performance metric of 90% of all Forensic Biology requests with a turnaround time less than 60 days. For this reporting period, only 10% of Forensic Biology requests meet this criteria, with an average turnaround time of 89 days. 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 2018 11% 3,167 FY 2017 8% 3,133 FY 2016 10% 3,253 FY 2015 13% 3,713 FY 2014 8% 3,835 FY 2013 13% 3,573 FY 2012 13% 3,408 FY 2011 9% 3,457 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. The reduction/elimination of backlogged requests for service continue to be a high priority. Of the requests received, 30% of Latent Print requests (201 of 670) had a turnaround time greater than 120 days. As noted above, the Latent Print discipline assisted another component for a period for four months greatly diminishing capacity of the discipline for that time. Related links:    • Alaska State Crime Laboratory

Target #1: Reduce recreational boating accident deaths to fewer than 14 annual fatalities Methodology: Source: U.S. Coast Guard The target is a 10-year average of recreational boating deaths from 2002-2011. Analysis of results and challenges: Fatalities from recreational boating accidents rose again for the second consecutive year. The target of less than 14 recreational boating deaths was exceeded. The number of deaths is similar to the peak in 2012. 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 2018 54,874 2,577 4.69% FY 2017 61,719 3,031 4.91% FY 2016 81,109 3,713 4.57% FY 2015 75,016 4,053 5.40% FY 2014 75,732 3,873 5.11% FY 2013 69,749 4,086 5.86% FY 2012 75,624 4,076 5.39% FY 2011 85,867 4,176 4.86% FY 2010 82,336 4,015 4.88% FY 2009 63,068 4,742 7.52% FY 2008 58,584 4,995 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) decreased for the second consecutive year. Wildlife violations detected also decreased slightly as a percentage of total contacts over the previous year; however the amount was less than one half of one percent. The decrease in resource user contacts is a result of restricted operations of AWT personnel, as well as a shift in operations to times and areas where risk to natural resources is perceived to be the greatest. 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. The wildlife troopers averaged seven vacancies throughout the year. In addition to the vacancies, budget reductions forced AWT positions to be eliminated. In the last four years, AWT has eliminated eight Trooper positions, and seven non-commissioned positions which support operations, resulting in less coverage statewide. 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. A loss of commissioned personnel meant fewer hours were available to spend on education. AWT prefers to change this performance goal as it does not accurately reflect AWT performance or the number of violations discovered by AWT. In addition, there are a number of inconsistencies in reporting for this target which fail to truly reflect resource user contacts and violations discovered. As an example, the column indicating the number of violations detected has historically been reported solely for citations issued. It does not account for violations for which the person was warned which frequently occurs when a Trooper contacts a person and discovers multiple violations. A more accurate measure of the percentage of violations per contact would be to report the total of citations and warnings per contact. A review of historical data reflects a consistent violation rate of between 10 to 13 percent. AWT would welcome a discussion on a more appropriate measure of effectiveness. 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 2017 47 2016 57 2015 38 2014 43 2013 30 2012 39 2011 45 2010 42 2009 34 2008 46 2007 46 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 which can be attributed to a lower yearly fatalities in 2017. Previously, in 2016 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. Many of the other 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. Beginning in 2007, this table shows motor vehicle crashes within the Alaska State Troopers' patrol area. Statewide data from the Alaska Highway Safety Office 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. Related links:    • Alaska State Troopers

Target #2: 10% reduction from the previous three-year average of driving under the influence (DUI) fatalities Methodology: * Data source changed in CY2007; data now reported for area of AST jurisdiction only. Source: Alaska State Troopers Motor Vehicle Crashes with Fatalities involving Impaired Drivers Year MVC Yearly Fatalities 2017 17 2016 21 2015 10 2014 15 2013 5 2012 11 2011 8 2010 12 2009 21 2008 16 2007 6 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 in 2017 were on low traffic areas that are not connected to the state road system. Beginning in 2007, 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. This year the grid was updated to include 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. Year ; MVC Yearly Fatalities 2016; X 2015; 5 2014; 8 2013; 5 2012; 11 2011; 8 2010; 12 2009; 21 2008; 16 2007; 6 Related links:    • Alaska State Troopers

Current as of September 4, 2018