A proposed bill in Alaska aims to provide a confidential mailing address to victims of domestic violence and those in law enforcement who face threats or harassment. Supporters argue that the program will enhance safety and protect vulnerable individuals from further harm.
Alaskans who have experienced stalking and domestic violence, or who work as police or correctional officers, are currently unable to shield their addresses from public view. This lack of privacy poses a significant risk to their safety and that of their families. A proposed bill, SB 31, aims to address this issue by establishing a program that grants law enforcement officers and victims of certain crimes a P.O. Box as their official mailing address.
This would ensure their home addresses remain confidential on public records and other documents. The bill's sponsor, Senator Donny Kiehl, emphasized the urgent need for this protection, stating, 'People who have escaped from violent situations - dangerous, abusive situations - absolutely have to have the ability to live a life in Alaska.' Currently, over 40 states offer similar programs for crime victims, but SB 31 takes a unique step by extending eligibility to correctional officers and police personnel. Senator Kiehl explained, 'We just need to provide some protection to folks who are particularly at risk of violence.'To qualify for the bill's safeguards, individuals must have filed a protective order or meet other criteria established by the Department of Administration. While SB 31 has been introduced twice before, it has faced setbacks in committee, failing to advance into law. However, last year during the legislative session, advocates representing victims of violence and law enforcement officers rallied in support of the bill. Suzi Pearson, former director of Abused Women's Aid in Crisis (AWAIC), Alaska's largest domestic violence shelter, testified that such a program would be crucial for protecting everyone at the shelter. She highlighted the vulnerability of domestic violence victims who could be tracked by their abusers if they use AWAIC as their mailing address for essential documents. Pearson expressed hope that the bill's scope could be broadened to encompass individuals who may not pursue protective orders. Randy McLellan, representing the Alaska Correctional Officers Association, similarly emphasized the bill's importance in protecting officers and their families from potential harm. He pointed out the prevalence of physical assaults and threats against correctional officers and their households, stating, 'We have about 950 correctional officers spread out through 12 different facilities across the state, and unfortunately, physical assault and threats of harm against correctional officers and their families is commonplace.' Senator Kiehl believes that the program's potential to enhance public safety will resonate with his fellow legislators, estimating its annual operating cost to be under $400,000.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PUBLIC SAFETY LAW ENFORCEMENT ALASKA LEGISLATURE CONFIDENTIAL ADDRESS
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