OPINION: Anchorage stands at a crossroads after recent police shootings

The recent deaths of Kristopher Handy, Lisa Fordyce-Blair, Tyler May and Easter Leafa at the hands of Anchorage police officers have shaken our community to its core. In the past three months alone, these tragic incidents have left us reeling, with the Office of Special Prosecutions (OSP) swiftly exonerating the officers involved in the first three cases. As we await a decision on Leafa’s shooting, the pattern of justification in police killings raises alarming concerns.

Over the years, Anchorage has witnessed a disconcerting number of officer-involved shootings, with a disturbingly high rate of fatalities. Despite Chief of Police Sean Case’s claims of a reduced frequency, the recent spate of killings paints a grim picture. OSP’s consistent exoneration of police actions, coupled with the absence of any unjustified findings in the history of the Anchorage Police Department, underscores a troubling trend.

Having personally viewed the harrowing body cam footage from the incidents involving Handy and May, I am left profoundly disturbed. The absence of such crucial evidence in Fordyce-Blair’s case and the dash cam footage of Bishar Hassan’s killing further obscures the truth behind these fatalities. As a seasoned public defender, I can attest that the footage resembles nothing short of execution by firing squad, raising serious questions about police conduct and accountability.

In Anchorage, a disturbing pattern emerges in which non-compliance with police commands, regardless of language barriers or mental health crises, appears to result in fatal outcomes. From mistaken perceptions of threats to unjustifiable use of force, the stories of Bishar Hassan, Easter Laefa, and William Riley-Jennings paint a distressing picture of law enforcement’s disproportionate response.

The implementation of body worn cameras, a hard-fought victory after years of advocacy and community support, offers a new lens through which to scrutinize police interactions. As we grapple with the aftermath of these tragedies, the need for robust civilian oversight of the Anchorage Police Department becomes more urgent than ever. Empowering a grand jury comprised of community members to review these cases, subpoena witnesses, and assess evidence without bias is imperative to ensuring accountability and transparency.

The impact of these events reverberates throughout our community, instilling fear and mistrust in our institutions. The pervasive anxiety and trauma compel us to have difficult conversations with our loved ones, cautioning against interactions with law enforcement unless absolutely necessary. Anchorage stands at a crossroads, demanding systemic change through civilian oversight and grand jury accountability to safeguard the lives and rights of all its residents.

Rich Curtner serves as chair of the Alaska Black Caucus’ Justice Committee.

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