Today, the Anchorage Municipal Attorney's Office released the final report from an independent review of the Anchorage Police Department's (APD) policies, training, tactics and supervision regarding use of force and de-escalation.
The final report from national public safety consulting firm 21CP Solutions (21CP) marks the conclusion of a two-part analysis of APD operations initiated by Mayor LaFrance in August 2024. Mayor LaFrance directed the Municipal Attorney to coordinate two layers of outside review to understand the factors that lead to officer-involved shootings and make recommendations to help improve public safety, strengthen de-escalation protocols and reduce use-of-force incidents:
- Incident review: The first review was an outside investigation of an August 13, 2024, officer-involved shooting. It was completed in 2024 and produced a set of policy and training recommendations specific to that incident. Those recommendations have been implemented.
- Comprehensive review: The second review was an assessment of APD's policies, training, and tactics relating to use of force and de-escalation. In 2025, the Municipality contracted with 21CP after a competitive request for proposals process which involved municipal, police union, and community stakeholders.
21CP's final report includes a statistical analysis of APD's use-of-force data from January 2021 through June 2025, excluding officer-involved shootings. The report also includes a separate, detailed analysis of 11 officer-involved shootings occurring from January 2024 through May 2025. In the data analysis, use-of-force incidents are categorized into three levels of severity. Examples include a push, grab, or shove as Level 1; pepper spray as Level 2; and use of deadly force, such as a high-speed PIT maneuver (Precision Immobilization Technique, a tactical vehicle contact method) as Level 3.
Among its core findings, the review found a 17% overall reduction in use-of-force incidents between 2022 and 2024, with roughly 90% of all force encounters falling into the lowest level of severity. However, the review also found a high number of use-of-force encounters involving individuals with confirmed or possible behavioral health issues, instances of high-risk vehicle pursuits and tactics, and needed improvements to how the department tracks officer performance trends, among other findings.
21CP also provided more than 50 specific recommendations to improve and enhance APD's operations. According to an APD analysis, as of August 2026, the department has fully integrated 49 of 21CP's actionable recommendations directly into updated policy or operational practices, with the remaining recommendations in progress. The analysis is attached to 21CP's report as Appendix A.
Key changes APD has made include:
- Clearer rules on force & de-escalation: Making de-escalation mandatory whenever safe and possible, requiring officers to intervene if a colleague uses improper force, and setting strict limits on force during peaceful protests.
- Safer vehicle protocols: Restricting dangerous vehicle maneuvers, banning roadblocks during chases, and clarifying policies on vehicle tactics and pursuit to reduce risks.
- Stronger oversight & support: Expanding internal reviews of serious incidents, requiring video or audio recordings during internal investigations, and extending paid leave for officers involved in shootings from four to seven days to allow for thorough initial reviews.
The Municipality will host two public presentations where 21CP will share its findings and recommendations, followed by an update from the Anchorage Police Department on its progress implementing the recommendations.
Community Presentation:
- Date & Time: Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Location: Fairview Community Recreation Center (1121 E. 10th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501)
- Participation: Members of the public may submit questions in writing at the event, or in advance by e-mailing OfficeOfEquityAndInclusion@anchorageak.gov no later than 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Assembly Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting:
- Date & Time: Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Location: City Hall, Room 155 (632 W. 6th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501)
- Participation: There is a short period for members of the public to provide testimony at the end of the meeting.
The Sept. 9 Public Health & Safety Committee meeting will be streamed live on the Municipality of Anchorage Meetings YouTube channel and recorded.
*Members of the public unable to attend either meeting will be able to view the recording of the Sept. 9 committee meeting via the Municipality of Anchorage Meetings YouTube channel.
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Attachments:
Media Contact:
Emily Goodykoontz, Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
Emily.Goodykoontz@anchorageak.gov
1(907) 205-6683