Public Perceptions in the Last Frontier: Alaska Native Satisfaction with the Police

The present study examined citizen satisfaction with police in Anchorage, Alaska. Using data collected through a city-level victimization survey, White and Alaska Native/American Indian perceptions were contrasted, controlling for other relevant factors such as level of neighborhood disorder, prior victimization, and age. Results showed that Alaska Natives/American Indians held more favorable views of the police than White residents. A possible explanation is offered, which takes into account the nature of law enforcement in rural Alaska.