Alaska Police Standards Council

Summary

The Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC), created in 1972 under AS 18.65.130, sits within the Department of Public Safety and holds binding certification/decertification authority over all Alaska peace officers (police, troopers, probation/parole, correctional, and municipal correctional officers). Its 12-member council includes 6 public-at-large members (majority civilian), 4 local police chiefs/administrators, and 2 ex-officio commissioners. Public members are appointed by the Governor for 3-year terms. The council may subpoena persons, books, records, and documents during investigations. It investigates complaints after the employing agency has concluded or declined investigation, and may suspend, revoke, or deny officer certificates using a clear-and-convincing-evidence standard. It has no independent use-of-force investigative role and does not directly review agency discipline beyond certificate status.