New Public Safety Commission Proposed in Anchorage

0:00It's April 30th. This is Anchorage News Today, your AI-powered local news. Anchorage assembly members just dropped a proposal for a new public safety commission to boost transparency from police and other agencies, letting. Community voices shape policies better. Sponsors like Chair Anna Brawley, Cameron Perez-Vardia, and Felix Rivera say it'll review procedures and suggest changes going beyond the old defunct. Board Trump's after a task force last year recommended reviving oversight, but the new version skips heavy powers like subpoenas sticking to advisory. Roll with more info access, public complaint reviews, and policy input. It's a balance take, they say, blending task force ideas with city feedback. Groups like Native Movement are on board, calling it a step up for success, even if not full oversight. Police chief Sean Kaye stayed neutral. Building his department's recent transparency gains but open to talks.

1:00Task force folks like Rich Kertner, back at two, hoping it builds trust through better info sharing. The setup includes 14 seats, nine voting members from community experts, those with lived experience, and mental health pros, no current city. Staff or too many ex-cops, Mayor appoints them, assembly confirms, five non-voting from agencies, they'd meet quarterly three-year staggered terms. Call the submit pass police shootings and calls for reform after the old commission fizzled in 2024. Public hearing hits, May 26th, head to engulf.info slash testify to weigh in, and it could finally bridge the gap between streets and badges for.