Alaska Governor & Mayor Unite to Fight Crime

0:00This is Cory with Anchorage News today, powered by the Daily News Now. Alaska Governor Mike Dunlaby, an Anchorage Mayor Suzan LaFrance, announced a new partnership this week to tackle retail theft, public disorder, and drug activity. They signed a memorandum of understanding that boost teamwork between state and city law enforcement and prosecutors. This includes a rare two-way cross designation, letting both sides use the toughest laws for charges. Leadership serves as the state's biggest city, and a major hub for business, transport, healthcare, and social services. Leaders say public safety here affects everyone in Alaska, so this effort goes beyond quick fixes to build long-term coordination. Officials like Attorney General Stephen Cox and municipal attorney Eva Gardner praise the move as a smart way to share responsibilities. The city usually handles misdemeanors while the state takes felonies, but now they combine forces for better results. The task force will be led by Deputy Attorney General John Skidmore for the state and

1:01Gardner for the city. It pulls in teens from the Anchorage Police Department, state law department, and city prosecutors with early emphasis on retail theft, street, disorder, and drugs. They plan to track success through metrics like case referrals, conviction rates, and overall crime trends. The group will also work with housing and health experts and consider diversion programs for minor offenders to make real improvements over time.