How to Get a Copy of a Police Report After Domestic Violence in Alaska

This article provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Talk to a lawyer in Alaska for advice about your specific situation.

If the police responded to a domestic violence incident in Alaska, they usually create a police report. That report can feel important — and sometimes overwhelming — because it becomes part of the official record of what happened.

You might want a copy to:

• Apply for a protective order

• Show a lawyer what happened

• Request changes in custody or parenting time

• Ask your landlord or employer for safety accommodations

• Keep for your personal records

This guide explains how the process works in Alaska, what your options are, and safety issues to consider.

1. Basic facts about police reports in Alaska

What is a police report?

A police report is a written record created by law enforcement after they respond to an incident. In Alaska domestic violence cases, it may include:

• Date, time, and location

• Names of people involved

• Statements from you, the other person, and witnesses

• Officer observations

• Photos or descriptions of injuries or damage

• Details about arrests or charges

This report is mainly for law enforcement and prosecutors — it is not a court order or a conviction.

Who creates the report in Alaska?

Domestic violence incidents may be handled by:

• Anchorage Police Department

• Fairbanks Police Department

• Juneau Police Department

• Other city/borough police

• Alaska State Troopers (common in rural areas and villages)

Each agency keeps its own records, but Alaska law sets statewide rules about access.

2. Can you get a copy of a domestic violence police report in Alaska?

It depends on:

• Whether you are the victim in the report

• Whether a criminal investigation is open

• Whether some parts are confidential

Alaska’s public records rule

Alaska law generally allows public access to records, but there are exceptions for:

• Ongoing criminal investigations

• Sensitive victim/witness information

• Juvenile information

• Private personal data

This means:

• Some or all of a report may be withheld while a case is open

• Released copies may have redactions (blacked-out sections)

If you are the victim/survivor

You often have broader access than the general public, but:

• Agencies may still limit access during investigations

• Prosecutors may prefer victims receive information directly through them

You can always call the police agency’s Records Division or the district attorney to ask about your specific case.

3. Safety planning before requesting a report

Before requesting a report, consider how it may affect your safety.

Questions to consider

• Could the abusive person find out you requested it?

• Where will you store the report?

• Do you share devices, accounts, or email access?

• Are you being pressured to get or share the report?

Safety tips

• Use a safe phone or secure device

• Ask an advocate to help store or print it for you

• Use a safe mailing address or PO box

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger

Advocates in Alaska offer confidential support and are not part of law enforcement.

4. Step-by-step: How to request a police report in Alaska

Step 1: Identify the responding agency

Look for:

• Officer uniform or badge

• Paperwork (case number, business card)

• The number you called (local police or State Troopers)

Common agencies include:

• Anchorage PD

• Fairbanks PD

• Juneau PD

• Local city/borough police

• Alaska State Troopers

If unsure, call the local non-emergency number for help.

Step 2: Contact the Records Division

You can usually:

• Call the department’s non-emergency line

• Visit the website

• Ask for “Records” or “Public Records”

Ask:

• “How do I request a copy as a domestic violence victim?”

• “Is there a form?”

• “Can I request online, by mail, or in person?”

• “Is there a fee?”

• “Do I need to show ID?”

Step 3: Submit your request

You may need to provide:

• Your name and contact info

• Your role (victim, witness)

• Case number

• Date and location of the incident

• Names of people involved

Some agencies allow:

• Online requests

• Email requests

• Mail-in requests

• In-person requests

If you feel unsafe going in person, you can say:

“I am a domestic violence survivor and do not feel safe coming in person. Are there other ways to request and receive the report?”

Step 4: Pay any fees

Ask:

• How much the report costs

• What payment types are accepted

• Whether fees can be waived for victims

Advocacy programs or legal aid may help if cost is a barrier.

Step 5: Wait for processing

You may receive:

• A full report

• A redacted report

• A partial or denied request (especially if the case is open)

If denied, you can ask for a written explanation and talk to a lawyer about alternatives.

5. Getting information through the prosecutor or your lawyer

Victim-witness assistance

District attorneys have victim-witness staff who can:

• Explain the criminal process

• Share information about hearings and the case

• Review parts of the report with you

They may not provide a full copy if there are safety or investigation concerns.

Your own lawyer

A lawyer can often:

• Request the report directly

• Access criminal case discovery

• Use the report in civil cases

Lawyers typically have access that individuals do not.

6. What if the case is still under investigation?

While cases are open, agencies may restrict access.

You might be told:

• The report is not available yet

• Only a partial/redacted copy can be provided

Your options:

• Explain why you need it (e.g., protective order hearing)

• Request a summary or confirmation letter

• Ask a lawyer to request it

• Seek help from an advocate

7. What might be redacted or withheld?

Common redactions include:

• Addresses and phone numbers

• Names of witnesses

• Information about children

• Sensitive third-party details

• Certain parts of your own statement

If unsure, you can ask Records what was redacted and why. Advocates and lawyers can help review it safely.

8. Using a police report in Alaska protective orders, custody, or divorce cases

Protective orders (restraining orders)

A police report may help support:

• Your account of what happened

• Your need for protection

But you do not need a police report to get a protective order. A sworn statement can be enough.

Custody and parenting time

Judges must consider domestic violence when deciding custody.

Police reports may:

• Show history of incidents

• Support requests for safety-related restrictions

Divorce and property cases

Reports may help explain safety issues that impact living arrangements or communication.

9. If you are the one charged in the case

Sometimes survivors are arrested or charged.

If you are the defendant:

• You have a right to a lawyer

• Your lawyer can request the report and all evidence

• Public defenders are available if you qualify

Do not request the report on your own — talk with your lawyer first.

10. Common emotional reactions to reading the report

Many survivors feel:

• Shock

• Anger

• Shame (even though the abuse is not your fault)

• Fear

• Relief

You can:

• Read it with support

• Take breaks

• Choose not to read every detail

Remember: police reports rarely capture the full story.

11. Where to get help in Alaska

You can contact:

• Local DV shelters and advocacy programs

• Alaska legal aid organizations

• Private attorneys familiar with DV, family law, or criminal law

Advocates can help you:

• Request the report

• Navigate police or court processes

• Safety plan around documentation

12. Key takeaways

• Victims can often request DV police reports in Alaska, but access may be limited if the case is open.

• Requests usually go through the Records Division of the responding agency.

• Parts of the report may be redacted for privacy.

• Prosecutors and lawyers may also help you access information.

• Safety planning is crucial — the abusive person may later see the report through court processes.

• You are not alone; advocates and lawyers can support you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a copy of a domestic violence police report if I’m the victim?

Often yes, but limits apply if the case is under investigation or contains sensitive information. Agencies may release only a redacted or summary version.

How do I request a report from Alaska State Troopers or local police?

Identify the responding agency, contact their Records Division, ask for their process, and submit the required information.

What if the report isn’t available yet?

You may need to wait until the investigation progresses. You can request a summary or ask a lawyer to help.

Do I need a police report to get a protective order?

No. Your sworn statement may be enough, but a police report can help if available.

Will the abusive person see the report?

They may see it later through criminal or family court, not because you asked for a copy. Safety planning is important.

Can I get the report if I was arrested?

Yes — through your lawyer. Public defenders can help if you qualify.

How much does it cost?

Fees vary by agency. Ask Records about their fee schedule and whether victims qualify for waivers.

Will my address be visible?

Some personal details may appear but can often be redacted upon request.