Anchorage Police Chief Defends Department in Documentary

0:00On this March 13th in Anchorage, here's what is making headlines. A new documentary series called Lost Women of Alaska Spotlight, the Anchorage Police Department's role in the case of serial killer Brian Steven. Smith, he was arrested in 2019 and convicted of torturing and killing two Alaska Native women. Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case, appointed in July 2024 after more than 20 years with the department, pushes back against the show's claim that Alaska creates an easy environment for predators to target vulnerable women. Chief Case points to recent Anchorage laws that banned public camping, indecency, and threatening behavior, saying these close old criminal gaps and boost enforcement. He highlights the department's heavy use of technology, including artificial intelligence for investigations, claiming they're ahead of many places in. The lower 48 states, even with some staffing shortages, tech help speed up responses. Critics in the series, including a former detective,

1:01alleged a past unspoken policy of low priority for cases involving homeless people or those with. Substance issues, labeling them no humans involved. They questioned why police didn't link photos on Smith's phone to missing woman, Cassandra Baskowski, in 2019. Chief Case denies any such policy ever existed during his tenure, and explains decisions around sharing graphic images to avoid unnecessary trauma. Without solid evidence, her death was later ruled a homicide, and the case stays open. The series also questions why detectives didn't pursue Smith in 2018 after a partner reported he showed her a video of a killing, but lacked enough evidence like a victim identity or the footage itself. Chief Case defends the high evidence bar needed before interviewing suspects to avoid tipping them off or weakening cases. For missing persons reports, patrol starts investigations right away, escalating to detectives if risk is high. Meanwhile, the department has 45 detectives handling cases, including seven in homicide,

2:05working 39 active missing adult files, many, tied to missing and murdered indigenous people efforts. They're adding a victim advocate in homicide for better family updates and partnering on homeless outreach. Chief Case sees openness like responding to the series as key to building community trust amid ongoing safety concerns. Thanks to our sponsor for helping bring you this episode. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening, S-O-L-L-I-SOLYPELLOW.COM