The Municipality and the Leafa family have settled all claims arising from the August 13, 2024 officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 16-year-old Easter Leafa. State prosecutors investigated the incident and declined to bring criminal charges, but that did not resolve the potential civil claims. Ten members of the Leafa family, through their attorney, subsequently asserted civil claims arising from the incident.
On April 30, Anchorage Police Department Chief Case and the Leafa family met to discuss the family's claims and, with the assistance of counsel on both sides, were able to reach a $2.11 million settlement to fully resolve them. All litigation and settlement decisions the Municipality makes are strategic calls to minimize risks and costs in light of the specific circumstances of each case.
“We want to protect everyone involved from having to re-live this incident in court," said Mayor LaFrance. “I have met with the Leafa family, and the grace with which they've responded to their loss is profound. I am grateful for their desire to prioritize healing, for themselves and the whole community."
Officer-involved shootings can adversely affect police department morale, recruitment, and retention, as well as individual officer morale and mental health.
“Every officer in our department has chosen to serve because they care about our community and its safety," said Mayor LaFrance. “They have difficult and sometimes thankless jobs, and I know firsthand how committed they are to facing those challenges. As Mayor, it is my responsibility to ensure they have the support and resources they need."
At the Mayor's direction, an outside investigator was brought in to review the August 13 incident. That resulted in a set of policy and training recommendations, which were made public in January. APD has implemented or is implementing all of the recommendations.
When Chief Case stepped into his role as the head of APD on July 1, 2024, he initiated a use-of-force review looking back across 15 years of data to identify trends or patterns that could help inform decisions on training and practices. That review was released on November 15, 2024.
Chief Case also launched a use of force dashboard to give the public visibility into APD's activity.
And at the Mayor's direction, an outside contractor will soon be selected and begin work on a comprehensive six-month review of APD's policies, training, and tactics relating to use of force and de-escalation. This contract is the result of a competitive procurement process, which included municipal, police union, and community stakeholders. The contractor's full report and recommendations will be made public.
Chief Case has increased staffing of APD's Mobile Intervention Team (MIT). The MIT is staffed by behavioral health experts who can respond to cases where people in crisis may pose a threat to themselves or others. Designing a public safety system that connects the right person with the right resources at the right time is a major component of the LaFrance administration's Safe Streets and Trails strategy.
The Anchorage Assembly was briefed on the settlement during an executive session at their regular meeting Tuesday night.
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Contact: Emily Goodykoontz emily.goodykoontz@anchorageak.gov 1 (907) 205-6683