FAQ: Girdwood Police Implementation

Q: How do I now call for police service?

A: No change, Call 911. Your call is then forwarded to Whittier Police if you are in the Girdwood Service Area or the Alaska State Troopers if you are on the Seward Highway or up Crow Creek Road.

Q: Why did I have to repeat my information twice?

A: Your call is received at the PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) Anchorage Police Department. They will then determine which is the agency to transfer the call to once you state where you are (on a cell phone call) or by the landline data (home phone).

The call is then transferred to Whittier Police who will confirm the location information and nature of call and dispatch officers.

Q: Will the Alaska State Troopers Office at the Tesoro Mall stay open?

A: No. The Alaska State Troopers closed their Girdwood office on October 1, 2016.

Q: I’ve been out of town for the last 6 months, why do we not have the Alaska State Troopers anymore?

A: The Alaska State Troopers have discontinued service to Girdwood effective October 1, 2016 due to the Alaska state budget situation. The Alaska State Troopers declined the opportunity to service Girdwood as a contracted service paid by Girdwood taxpayers.

Q: Why do we not have Anchorage Police Department?

A: The Anchorage Police Department is unable to expand to provide service to the Girdwood community at this time due to staffing shortages. Anchorage Police are paid by the Anchorage Police Service Area taxpayers. The Anchorage Police Service Area’s south boundary is at McHugh Creek.

Q: Is there a plan to have a Whittier Police Substation in Girdwood?

A: Yes. The Public Safety Advisory Committee is exploring locations for a police substation.

Q: How are Whittier Police going to interact with Girdwood Fire and Rescue?

A: Communications plans between Girdwood Fire and Rescue and Whittier Police

are in the process of being developed and will be tested. The Girdwood Fire Department has been an active participant in the Public Safety Advisory Committee meetings.

Q: How do Whittier Police know where my house is?

A: Having a clearly marked street address is important for fire, ambulance and police response. Whittier Police have been provided Girdwood Maps and Mapbooks from the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA).

Q: How do I get a copy of my police report or file a police report?

A: Complete a request for records at: www.whittieralaska.gov.

Q: What number do I call for a non-emergency business inquiry of Whittier Police?

A: 907-472-2340

Q: How do I file a restraining order?

A: Contact Whittier Police Department and they will assist you with the court process.

Q: I need a background check and fingerprints for work, where should I go?

A: You can obtain a background check from the Alaska State Trooper Office in Anchorage on Tudor Road. There are various private fingerprinting businesses in Anchorage. Whittier Police will not be providing this service.

Q: My friend was arrested. Did they get transported to Whittier?

A: All arrested individuals will be transported to Anchorage for processing by the Alaska Court System.

Q: How do I report suspicious activity in my neighborhood?

A: Call 911.

Q: How do I report someone missing?

A: Call 911.

Q: I would like to have the police visit my business/community group, how do I set that up?

A: Please call Chief Schofield, Whittier Police Chief at 907-472-2340.

Q: When are the Girdwood Public Safety Advisory Committee Meetings?

A: The Girdwood Public Safety Advisory Committee meets the first Monday of every month at 7pm in the Girdwood Community Room. Meetings are open to the public.

PSAC meetings are publicly noticed on line at www.muni.org/gbos as well as at the Post Office, Library, Community Room, and Little Bears.