Big Lake Police Records

Big Lake police records are handled through Alaska State Troopers Detachment B, which covers this unincorporated community northwest of Wasilla in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. No city police department serves Big Lake. This page explains how to request police records tied to incidents in Big Lake, how to search court cases through CourtView, how to run a criminal history check, and where to find the sex offender registry, AST Daily Dispatch, and other public records resources.

Law Enforcement in Big Lake

Big Lake is an unincorporated community. It has no city government and no local police force. Alaska State Troopers handle all law enforcement here. The area falls under AST Detachment B, which covers the Mat-Su Valley from its headquarters in Palmer. A Mat-Su West AST post also serves the Big Lake area and can be reached at 907-373-8300.

All calls, emergency and non-emergency, go through MATCOM dispatch at 907-352-5401. For emergencies, call 911. MATCOM covers the entire Mat-Su region and can direct your call to the right trooper unit.

For non-emergency incidents where no threat is active, you can file a report online at dps.alaska.gov/AST/CrimeReport. Do not use this for firearm thefts, drug crimes, or vehicle thefts. Those require a phone call or in-person report. Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 907-745-2333 accepts anonymous tips about crimes in the valley.

Big Lake Police Records Requests

Since AST covers Big Lake, records requests for incidents in the area go to AST Detachment B rather than any city agency. Under the Alaska Public Records Act at AS 40.25.100-295, AST has 10 business days to respond to a records request. An extension of up to 10 more days is allowed with written notice.

When contacting AST about a records request, have the following ready: the date and approximate time of the incident, the location, any case number the trooper gave you at the scene, the names of the people involved, and your connection to the matter. More detail means a faster and more accurate response.

Records tied to open investigations or active prosecutions may be withheld. Denials must cite a specific statutory exemption. Standard practice includes redacting personal identifiers such as birthdates, driver's license numbers, and Social Security numbers before records are released. You can appeal a denial to the agency head within 60 working days of receiving it.

Alaska Public Records Act

The Alaska Public Records Act governs all records requests from state agencies including AST. The act is at AS 40.25.100-295. The 10-day response window, extension rules, denial requirements, and appeal rights all apply. Agencies may only withhold records when a specific exemption applies and must state that exemption in writing.

The screenshot below shows the Alaska Public Records Act reference page from the Alaska Department of Law, which explains your rights under the act and how it applies to requests.

Common exemptions that may apply to police records include active investigation records, records that could compromise a prosecution, and records identifying confidential informants. If a denial seems improper, Alaska Legal Services Corporation at alsc-law.org can provide guidance to eligible Alaskans.

Mat-Su Borough Public Records

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough maintains its public records portal at matsu.gov/public-records. This covers government administration records for the borough rather than law enforcement incident records. A transparency portal for financial data is at transparency.matsugov.us.

For more resources including court records guidance for the borough, see the Matanuska-Susitna Borough police records page.

Court Records Through CourtView

Alaska court cases from Big Lake and the Mat-Su Valley are searchable for free through CourtView. This is the Alaska Court System's public case access tool, authorized by AS 22.35.030. You can look up case numbers, party names, charges, hearing dates, and case status. Big Lake cases fall under the Third Judicial District, Palmer Superior Court.

CourtView does not require an account. Juvenile cases are not visible. Cases ending in dismissal or acquittal may be sealed if the defendant requests it. For certified copies or official documents, use form TF-311 PA for Palmer. Online requests through the trial court records system take about two to four weeks. In-person requests at the Palmer courthouse are often handled the same day for current records. Certified copies cost $10 plus $3 per page. Research requests cost $30 per hour. See courts.alaska.gov/trialcourts for details.

Criminal History Background Checks

Alaska DPS runs criminal history checks through its online portal at backgroundcheck.dps.alaska.gov. The fee is $20 per check. Results are sent by email. The process is governed by AS 12.62. Records reflect Alaska arrests, charges, and dispositions. Out-of-state records are not included.

Walk-in requests are accepted at the Palmer DPS office: 453 S Valley Way, Palmer, AK 99645. That office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Phone: 907-745-2131. Both online and walk-in requests use the same Alaska database. If you need records from another state, you must contact that jurisdiction separately.

Sex Offender Registry for Big Lake

Alaska's Sex Offender Registry is free to search at sor.dps.alaska.gov. The statewide registry has more than 3,640 entries. You can search by name, zip code, or address to find registered offenders near Big Lake. Each entry shows the offender's name, photo, current address, and offense information.

The screenshot below shows the Alaska Sex Offender Registry, which you can use to search for registered offenders by name or location.

Registration requirements are set under AS 12.63.100. HB 66, which took effect in July 2024, updated some rules around registration timelines and community notification. The DPS keeps the registry current. Contact the DPS Records and Identification Bureau if you find an entry that appears outdated or inaccurate.

Daily Dispatch Reports

Alaska DPS publishes daily law enforcement activity summaries at dailydispatch.dps.alaska.gov. You can search by date and area. For Big Lake and the broader Mat-Su Valley, filter by Detachment B or the Mat-Su region. Dispatch entries are brief and do not include full case details, but they are a useful tool for checking whether an incident occurred on a specific date before submitting a formal records request.

AST Online Crime Reporting

For non-emergency incidents in Big Lake, AST offers an online reporting option at dps.alaska.gov/AST/CrimeReport. You can use it to report theft, vandalism, lost property, and similar matters. Do not use it for firearm thefts, drug crimes, or vehicle thefts. For anything urgent, call 911. For non-emergency calls, MATCOM is at 907-352-5401.

Nearby Cities

These Alaska cities also have dedicated police records pages.