Police Powers in the Borough
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough may exercise police protection, with all of its incidental powers, only with approval by the voters. Due to increasing concern expressed by Borough residents regarding crime, vandalism, and criminal mischief, the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Police Powers was established by Assembly resolution in August, 2003. It was composed of members from the private sector, the public sector, public safety, crime victims, a member with legislative experience, and the general public. The task force was directed to analyze and summarize the incidence of crime within the Borough, review the various ways that increased police services may be provided, review the results of the Borough’s surveys on police protection, estimate the costs of providing police protection, and develop a set of recommendations for consideration by the Borough Assembly.