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: 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 2018 4297 1556 36% 2017 4617 1526 33% 2016 4567 1490 33% 2015 4213 1580 38% 2014 3918 1466 37% 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. The data from 2018 was gathered from DPS records management software database records of incident reports. Of 4,297 property crimes reported in AST's area of responsibility, suspects have been identified in 1,556 incidents (36%). 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 2019 18 -18.18% 18 -10% 100% FY 2018 22 0% 20 0% 91% FY 2017 22 -12% 20 -4.76% 91% FY 2016 25 -10.71% 21 -4.55% 84% FY 2015 28 +55.56% 22 +37.5% 79% FY 2014 18 -18.18% 16 -27.27% 88% 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 # of Responses # Affirmative Percent YTD FY 2019 2572 -7.65% 2283 -1.55% 89% FY 2018 2,785 +12.75% 2,319 +13.12% 85% FY 2017 2,470 -1.59% 2,050 -4.03% 83% FY 2016 2,510 -0.04% 2,136 -1.07% 85% FY 2015 2,511 +1.82% 2,159 +3.3% 86% FY 2014 2,466 -9.64% 2,090 -12% 85% FY 2013 2,729 -10.85% 2,375 -15.57% 87% FY 2012 3,061 +2.55% 2,813 +1.88% 92% FY 2011 2,985 +12.43% 2,761 +12.51% 93% FY 2010 2,655 +34.23% 2,454 +33.88% 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 2019 3531 +0.09% 15 +50% 99.56% 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. A recent Alaska Supreme Court ruling requires a statute to statute comparison to determine if the elements of the out of state statute for which an offender was convicted are comparable to an Alaska statute which would require registration. This level of analysis requires consultation with Department of Law staff for legal assessments. Aside from the legal assessments, program analysis and development has resulted in 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 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 2018, Alaska had a 42% decrease in fire fatalities with none occurring under the divison's statutory authority. There were 8 fire fatalities that occurred in structures. Of these, one occurred in a one or two-family dwelling, five occurred in multi-residential structures, and two occurred in mobile homes. The division succeeded in reducing unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annually. Of the 11 fire fatalities, six 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 failed to work or were not installed or undermined in 81% of the residences where fire fatalities occurred. Alcohol or drug use-related fire fatalities increased to 45% in 2018. 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 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: 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 continues 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, 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. With staffing stability, it is anticipated that processing times may be further reduced, however, continues technical issues have had an impact. The DPS fingerprinting process is comprised of various programming components, with 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 will be sought to replace the outdated platforms in FY2020. 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 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 increased by 771 in FY2019. The division met its target of 30% of buildings found to be in compliance with fire standards. Deputy Fire Marshals (DFMs) conducted 1402 of the 1616 fire inspections. The increase in number of inspections from FY2017 was attributable to filling deputy fire marshal positions which had been vacant in prior years. 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 289 follow up communication actions in support of the 1616 fire inspections in FY2019. 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 2019 53% 2,984 -5.78% FY 2018 47% 3,167 +1.09% FY 2017 59% 3,133 -3.69% FY 2016 61% 3,253 -12.39% FY 2015 58% 3,713 -3.18% FY 2014 63% 3,835 +7.33% FY 2013 47% 3,573 +4.84% FY 2012 64% 3,408 -1.42% FY 2011 58% 3,457 +4.47% FY 2010 58% 3,309 Analysis of results and challenges: Total requests do not include toxicology (outsourced to Public Health Laboratory), 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. The Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory showed a 6% increase in requests accomplished under 30 days in FY2019. This can be further broken out into individual disciplines: seized drug analysis and forensic alcohol analysis account for around half of the submissions and have an average turnaround time of 19 and 23 days, respectively. The Latent Print Examination staff assisted Anchorage Police Department (APD) latent print unit for a number of months due to shortage of staff within APD. This resulted in a reduction in analyst time for latent print processing and examination and an average turnaround time of 90 days. Forensic Biology saw a 7% increase in case submissions in FY2019. This is significant for such a small discipline. Forensic Biology has changed its processes such that analysis that used to occur separately, with the generation of two scientific examination reports is now performed as a single analysis. Once assigned the total analysis time is typically around 45 days, and as such, completion in under 30 days is not a realistic metric. A new metric will need to be developed specifically for Forensic Biology such as percentage of cases completed in under 60 days with a target of 90%. For this reporting period, Forensic Biology has an average turnaround time of 97 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 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 and increased from FY2018. The reduction/elimination of backlogged requests for service continue to be a high priority. Of the requests received, 26% of Latent Print requests (162 of 622) 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. Of the requests received, 53% of Forensic Biology requests (332 of 631) had a turnaround time greater than 120 days. Firearm/Toolmark and Footwear Impression disciplines also had requests over 120 days although they are a relatively small percentage of total cases. 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 for the third consecutive year. The target of less than 14 recreational boating deaths was exceeded. The number of deaths is similar to the peak in 2012. In 2018 there were 21 recreational boating fatalities. 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 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 over the FY2018 but is still lower than FY 2014, 2015, and 2016. The decrease in user contacts in FY 2016 and FY 2017 can be attributed to reductions in AWT Trooper numbers from a high of 96 in FY2011 to a low of 87 in FY2018. Wildlife violations detected also decreased slightly as a percentage of total contacts over the previous year. 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. 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 2018 42 -10.64% 2017 47 -17.54% 2016 57 +50% 2015 38 -11.63% 2014 43 +43.33% 2013 30 -23.08% 2012 39 -13.33% 2011 45 +7.14% 2010 42 +23.53% 2009 34 -26.09% 2008 46 0% 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 fewer fatalities in 2018. 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. 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 2018 13 -23.53% 2017 17 -19.05% 2016 21 +110% 2015 10 -33.33% 2014 15 +200% 2013 5 -54.55% 2012 11 +37.5% 2011 8 -33.33% 2010 12 -42.86% 2009 21 +31.25% 2008 16 +166.67% 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 2018 were on low traffic areas that are not connected to the state road system. Data from 2018 is from fatal crash events where impaired drivers were identified as being involved in the event. 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. 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 November 27, 2019