Sitka Community Profile 2006-2007

Public Safety

Sitka is the safest city in Alaska. Based on 2005 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) statistics, Sitka has the lowest incidence in violent crimes with 3 index crimes reported for every 1,000 population compared to cities in Alaska with over 5,000 population which includes Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Ketchikan, Kenai, North Slope Borough, Kodiak, Palmer, Bethel, and Homer. Sitka also ranked below average in terms of property crimes at 40 index crimes for every 1,000 population.

The FBI identified selected offenses to gauge fluctuations in the overall volume and rate of crime reported to law enformcement. Offenses of murder and non-ngeligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault are violent crimes while offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor-vehicle theft, and arson are property crimes.

Number of Full Time Police Officers	19
Number of Full Time Fire Personnel	9
Number of Fire, EMS, SAR, Dive Volunteers	70
Other law enforcement in the area	Alaska State Troopers
ISO Fire Insurance Rating	5
Average annual number of 911 calls	2,494
Average response to working fire	10-15 firefighters

Sitka also hosts the Alaska Public Safety Academy and a US Coast Guard Air Station as well as the US Coast Guard Cutter Maple.

Sitka has been designated by the National Weather Services as a tsunami-ready community. The Sitka Local Emergency Planning Committee has been active in performing hazards assessments for the City and Borough, and ensuring community awareness and practical emergency response education.