Anchorage Assembly continues public safety commission hearing to June 9 after criticism of advisory-only powers

The Anchorage Assembly continued a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed Public Safety Commission to June 9, with sponsors indicating they will bring a substitute version after community members criticized the ordinance as lacking investigative authority and real oversight power.

The proposed commission would be advisory only, without subpoena or investigative powers. Assembly Vice Chair Anna Brawley (a sponsor) told testifiers that the intent of the sponsors is to bring a substitute version and that those who testified Tuesday would be welcome to testify again on the changes.

Multiple testifiers criticized the ordinance as insufficient and called for a commission with subpoena power, independent investigative authority, and the ability to recommend disciplinary actions for officers. Michael Patterson, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, said the ordinance is not civilian oversight but rather a deal between politicians and the police. He called for a commission that acts independently of APD, can compel APD's cooperation, and can recommend disciplinary actions for APD officers.

Several speakers framed the proposal as a continuation or rebrand of the former Public Safety Advisory Commission, which was allowed to sunset in 2024.

Brawley moved to continue the public hearing to the meeting of June 9, and the motion passed without objection. The public hearing will continue at the Assembly's June 9 regular meeting.