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In Alaska, criminal records are public (to a certain extent). The agency responsible for criminal records in Alaska is the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Statewide Services. Read on to learn more about criminal records in Alaska.
The Basics of Alaska Criminal Records
Alaska criminal records are similar to criminal records found in other states. These records include more information than you might think, as most people think that criminal records only contain information about convictions. Instead, criminal records commonly include all of the following information:- Arrests
- Acquittals
- Charges (even if these charges were dropped)
- Convictions
- Full legal name
- Aliases
- Current address
- Past addresses
- Picture
- Fingerprints
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How Alaska Criminal Records are Used
Alaska criminal records are usually accessed for one of three reasons. These reasons include job-related background checks, license checks, and law enforcement investigations. Job-related background checks are perhaps the most common reason that someone’s criminal record is accessed. More employers are doing comprehensive background checks when hiring, especially when hiring for a senior position. Also, background checks are required for jobs in certain fields, such as childcare. Criminal records are often accessed when someone applies for a government-issued license, such as a firearms license or a medical license. Finally, law enforcement will access the criminal records of anyone who is a person of interest in an investigation.Is It Possible to Access Someone’s Else’s Record?
It is possible to access someone else’s record in Alaska. However, you must have their permission in order to do so. You will need them to fill out and sign a consent form. If you are applying for a government-issued license that requires a background check, you will be notified that a criminal records check is required when submitting the application for the license. If you proceed with the application, you are effectively giving consent for the government to perform the background check.Requesting an Alaska Criminal Record
Alaska state law says that criminal records are public information. This is technically true, as you can get a copy of an unrelated person’s record. However, you must get their permission to do so. Not all states require you to get permission to obtain a copy of someone’s criminal record, but Alaska has relatively strict regulations. Unlike many other states, Alaska does not have an online portal that allows residents to request criminal records. Instead, you have to either submit a request in person at a DMV office that offers this service or submit a request by mail. If you are submitting a request by mail, you should send it to the following address:
Department of Public Safety, Criminal Records & Identification Bureau
5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
It will take one to two weeks to receive a copy of a criminal record. It may take longer if you live in a remote area.