frequently Asked questions

+ How do I report a missing person?

It's a common misconception that you must wait 24 hours before reporting a person as missing. You do not need to wait. If a loved one is missing, call 9-1-1 and an officer will come out and take a report. Once the report is filed, the officer can send out an alert to other officers and the community to help find the person.

+ When should I call 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is for emergencies only. An emergency is an immediate threat or risk of death or injury or if a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, or emergency medical help is needed right away. If you are in doubt, call. The 9-1-1 call taker can determine if you need emergency assistance. For more information about our Emergency Communications Center (aka Dispatch/9-1-1) visit their page on our site.

If you need to speak with dispatch but it's not an emergency, call 3-1-1. If you need to file a police report, it's likely you can do it online. File a police report.

+ If I see someone driving dangerously, how do I report them?

CALL 9-1-1 when you believe there is a risk of death or injury due to dangerous driver behavior. DO NOT call 911 for minor behaviors that do not appear to cause confusion or risk of death or injury. Please stop at a safe place or have a passenger make the call, and report the vehicle along with its description and location. Remember, the driver may be ill or intoxicated and shouldn't be on the road. State and local law enforcement agencies will respond as quickly as possible.

+ How Do I Report Mail Theft?

You can report mail theft to APD, online: Report a Crime. Select "Theft report". Mail theft should also be reported to the Postal Inspector at https://www.uspis.gov/report/ To reach the Postal Inspector's office call 1-877-876-2455​.

+ My neighbors are very loud at all times of the day and night. Is there anything I can do about it?

Calling the police on your neighbors is a drastic step and shouldn't be your first. Before resorting to calling the police, the usual first steps are to try calling your neighbor, or (if personal contact won't endanger your own safety) knocking on the door to make a polite request. Sometimes, a situation merits police involvement, particularly if an actual law is being broken. Unless you are in imminent physical danger, call 3-1-1 to report.

Noise complaints are low priority and in many instances officers may not get there until the offense is over. Also, calling the police to file an official report against neighbors is something they're likely to remember. It may result in a breakdown of any civil relationship you might have had, plus a great deal of awkwardness.

+ What is the seatbelt law for children?

A car seat is required for children under 4 years of age. Children must be over 4 years old AND over 40 pounds to use a standard seatbelt. Children under 8 years old, under 65 pounds and under 4'9" tall must be in a booster seat. (See Municipal Code 9.36.020 - "Use of safety belts and child safety devices" for more information.) Children should be over 1 year old AND over 30 pounds to be in a forward-facing car seat. This is not a law but an National Hightway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guideline.

You can also visit the Alaska Injury Prevention Center website to schedule a personal car seat check.

+ How can I get an APD Patch or other swag?

We get requests for APD patches from collectors and other APD fans all the time! The non-profit organization, Anchoarage Cops for Community has APD patches, stickers, and other swag available for purchase on thier website. When you purchase APD swag you are helping the organzation do great things in our community. Check out their website for more info and to purchase. Anchorage Cops for Community

+ How do I contest my traffic ticket

If your citation is marked "Mandatory Court - Infraction" or "Mandatory Court - Criminal", you must appear in court at the date and time shown on the citation. If your citation is marked "Optional Court" or "Correctable", you may contest your citation within 45 days of the date on the citation. You need to mark the box next to "I plead NOT GUILTY" on your citation, then sign on the signature line, date it and make sure your correct mailing address is on the citation. Either mail the citation or bring it to: 716 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501. You will receive a court date in the mail in a few weeks. If you have any questions about your court date, call Traffic Court at 264-0713.

+ Where do I go to pay my traffic fine?

If it is a parking ticket, you must contact the Anchorage Community Development Authority at 276-7275.

There are four ways you may pay for a traffic citation within 30 days of issue date.

1. Pay online: There is a service fee attached to this option only. Pay Online Here
2. Pay over the phone with a credit card at 786-2429
3. Mail a check or money order to: 716 W 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.
4. Pay in person at the front counter at our headquarters, 716 W. 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501.
   Partial payment is not accepted.

For any other law enforcement agency's citations (Airport Police, Palmer Police, Alaska State Troopers, etc.) you may pay the citation online or at the court.

+ Can I resolve my Proof of Insurance "fix it ticket" from home?

Yes, you can! Visit the Correctable Citations page on our website for details on how to do it.

+ Do officers have a quota for traffic tickets?

No. APD has never set a quota for traffic tickets written.

+ How long can I keep studded tires on my vehicle?

If you live south of 62° North latitude (for reference Glennallen, AK is at latitude 62.1097° N) studded tires are legal only between October 1 and April 30 each year. If you live north of 62° North latitude studded tires are legal only between September 16 and April 30 each year. Should you drive with them outside of these dates, you may be fined $50 per tire.

Note: The State of Alaska has different dates in which studded tires are allowed. Visit the Department of Transportation website for details.

+ Can you get a ticket for having your front license plate in the front window of your car?

Yes, you can receive a citation for not having your front plate attached to your front bumper. If your car is registered in Alaska, you are issued two plates (front and rear). The rear plate must have the month and year tabs on it. If you purchased a vehicle without a front plate, or to obtain a new set of license plates, contact the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles.

+ How dark can I tint my windows?

Achorage Municipal Code 9.36.045 requires all passenger vehicles must allow at least 70% light through the front and front side windows, and 40% through rear and rear side windows. The rear windows of a van, SUV, or truck are exempt from tinting regulations. Anchorage police officers carry tint measuring devices in order to enforce this law. A citation for tinted windows is correctable, however failing to comply with corrective instructions will result on a fine of $500 with a $20 surcharge.

+ How do I know if the mufflers on my vehicle are legal?

The easiest way to determine if you are operating with legal mufflers is to make sure they are no louder than those it was originally equipped with from the factory. All others are illegal, even though it is legal for vendors to sell them to you.

+ Who do I call for parking problems related to vehicles parked over 24 hours; vehicles blocking driveways, mail boxes or fire hydrants, in the fire lane, or illegally using handicapped parking, etc.

Call APD dispatch at 786-8500 or dial 3-1-1.

+ Who do I call for abandoned /junk vehicles?

APD Junk vehicle hotline 786-8830.

+ How long can a vehicle park on the public roadway before being required to move?

No more than 24 hours, except from Friday noon until Monday noon.

+ Can I park my trailer, travel trailer, motor home or camper on municipal streets?

Yes, but for no longer than two hours at any one time. No person may park any of the mentioned vehicles on a municipal street or any other municipality-owned or controlled property with the intent of using is as a residence even temporarily.

+ Can I park my car in the middle of a cul-de-sac?

No, AMC 9.30.030, prohibits parking in the middle of a cul-de-sac.

+ How long does it take to get an abandoned/junk vehicle I reported on towed away?

Once an officer arrives and determines it to be a safety concern or hazard, it should be moved in a few hours. If the vehicle is not asafety concern or hazard, the vehicle will be given an over 24-hour red tag impound notice by an officer. If the vehicle had not moved after being tagged,the vehicle will typically be towed within a few days.

+ Is it illegal to shoot animals with a BB gun or air gun in a residential neighborhood?

Anchorage Municipal Code 8.25.030 regulates Discharge of Firearms within the Municipality. It states, in part, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly shoot, discharge, or flourish any firearm, air rifle or air pistol within the MOA except in those areas open to the public for lawful hunting or upon established shooting ranges.

+ I will be traveling to Alaska and would like to know if there are any special laws or permits that need to be purchased in advance for carrying a pistol. I will have my weapons permit from my home state.

Currently, there are no special weapons permits needed to carry a firearm anywhere in the State of Alaska. However, there are many conditions that restrict a person from carrying a loaded firearm at certain times or locations. It would be wise to research Alaska State Statutes concerning Weapons 11.61.190 through .220 and since it appears that you have a CCW permit issued by your state, you may also wish to review AS 18.65.700 through .790.

In general: You may not possess a firearm:

• If you are a minor (without parent or guardian permission and presence)
• If you are a prohibited person (i.e. a convicted felon, a person who is a current respondent of a protective order from any state).
• While intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
• On or in any school ground or building, government building or court building.
• In any place or premise where alcohol is sold for consumption. It is an affirmative defense however if possession occurred at a place designated as a restaurant and the person did not consume intoxicating liquor.
• In any place where signs are posted indicating the prohibition of firearms.
• In any private residence without the permission of the owner/resident.

+ How do I report suspected drug and drug-related activity in my neighborhood?

Call APD's Drug Tip Hotline – 786-8864 Drug activity may be reported anonymously. However, it is generally preferred that the identity of the caller be given. This will assist officers if arrests are made and testimony in court is required. If a citizen requests anonymity for fear of retaliation or any other reasons, officers will conduct their investigation without the identity of the complainant.

A citizen who has a friend or relative they suspect of drug-related activity may also use this number to provide us with pertinent information. It is not necessary for officers to know the identity of the complainant. If the identity is divulged, at the request of the complainant, this information will be kept confidential.