"Make it Monday" forum - Year One: Building Trust, Strengthening Community

Chief Case’s first year in leadership has been marked by action, innovation, and a commitment to strengthening community relationships. From enhancing public safety efforts to building stronger connections with residents and organizations, his leadership has set a clear direction focused on trust, accountability, and progress.

PLUS, a member presentation by DenaliTEK.
 

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Chief of Police: Sean Case

Appointment & Leadership Role
Sean Case officially took office as Chief of the Anchorage Police Department on July 1, 2024, following his appointment by Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Chief beginning in February 2022, after over two decades of service with APD.

Career Overview
Chief Case began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he served for approximately two years before moving back home to Alaska. Throughout his career with APD, he has held numerous roles, including SWAT operator, K9 handler, School Resource Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Internal Affairs Investigator and Commander, Patrol Shift Commander, and Captain of the Patrol, Inspection, and Administration Divisions.

Education & Professional Training
He holds two master’s degrees: one in Criminology from Indiana State University and another in the Psychology of Leadership from Pennsylvania State University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, where he received advanced training in policing strategy and leadership.

Community Initiatives & Strategic Focus
Chief Case played a key role in creating Anchorage’s Mobile Intervention Team, which pairs social workers with officers to respond to mental health crises. He advocates for a policing strategy that focuses less on arrests and more on building community trust, connecting individuals to necessary resources, and promoting both officer wellness and equity within the department.

Policy & Oversight
One of his first significant actions as Chief was to order a comprehensive internal review of officer-involved shootings from 2009 to 2023. The findings led to reforms in high-risk call responses, emphasizing team-based deployments, the use of drones, and less-lethal options. He also launched a public use-of-force data dashboard. He revised the body-worn camera policy, ensuring footage from critical incidents is released within 45 days and making it easier for families to request recordings.

National Roles & Training
Chief Case offers national training on key law enforcement topics, including use of force, internal affairs, and training evaluation. He also serves on the board of a victim’s advocacy nonprofit, the Blood Bank of Alaska. He is the President of the Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police, contributing to law enforcement policy development at the state level.

Summary
With more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Sean Case brings a thoughtful, community-focused approach to leadership at APD. His vision emphasizes open dialog, public trust, innovative crisis response, and a data-driven commitment to improving both officer performance and public safety outcomes.
 

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