Unalaska Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Unalaska, Alaska government websites.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement across Aleutians West Borough falls primarily under the jurisdiction of the Unalaska Department of Public Safety, which handles policing for the city and surrounding areas. Other communities like Adak maintain their own departments or depend on state troopers for coverage. Given the borough's isolation and strategic location, these agencies regularly coordinate with state and federal partners on major crimes and emergencies. The department's responsibilities span local law enforcement, emergency response, and safety programs throughout the community.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Unalaska Department of Public Safety operates the primary detention facility for Aleutians West Borough. When someone is arrested, the booking process includes photographing and fingerprinting, with the department maintaining these records locally. Those seeking information on inmates need to contact the department directly, as online lookup tools are limited in this remote area. Visitation requires advance scheduling and compliance with security procedures specific to the facility. Bond and bail follow Alaska state guidelines, with posting available through approved channels.

Arrest Records

The Unalaska Department of Public Safety and other local police agencies maintain arrest records throughout Aleutians West Borough. These files document the circumstances of each arrest, charges filed, and booking particulars. Residents and attorneys seeking these records must submit formal requests to the appropriate department, following procedures outlined in the Alaska Public Records Act. A typical record includes personal identifying information, the arrest date, specific charges, and booking details. This system balances public transparency with privacy protections mandated by state law.

Court Records

The Alaska Bankruptcy Court handles insolvency proceedings for Unalaska residents and businesses, addressing cases throughout the city and broader region. The Alaska Court System maintains records for both civil and criminal matters, giving residents and other interested parties the ability to research court proceedings. For assistance navigating the judicial system or accessing local court records, the Unalaska City Clerk's office provides guidance and support to those unfamiliar with the process.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Aleutians West Borough includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Local police departments maintain these records, while the Alaska Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks and criminal history information. Residents can request background checks through the Department of Public Safety, which offers reports on criminal history.
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation assists with investigations and provides support for local law enforcement in handling complex cases, making sure of a thorough and coordinated approach to criminal justice.

Public Records Access

Public records for Unalaska and the surrounding area are available through several channels. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources' Land Records office provides information on property ownership, deeds, and land use patterns across the region. Those researching the community's history can access census data, historical documents, and genealogical materials through the Alaska State Archives and Genealogy office. The Unalaska City Clerk's office maintains local government records including meeting minutes and municipal codes for residents needing information about city operations.

Vital Records

For vital records, Unalaska residents can turn to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services' Vital Statistics office. This office oversees the issuance of birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for the city and surrounding region. The Alaska Court System also maintains records related to divorces, adoptions, and other legal proceedings that impact vital statistics.

Business & Licensing Records

The economy in Unalaska runs on maritime industry, particularly commercial fishing and processing operations that define the region. Companies establishing or expanding operations here obtain necessary licenses and permits through the City of Unalaska's Economic Development department. This office also works to attract new investment and support existing enterprises, helping sustain the economic engine that keeps this remote community thriving.

Economy & Demographics

Unalaska's economy is heavily dependent on the maritime industry, with commercial fishing and seafood processing being the primary drivers. The city is home to Dutch Harbor, one of the busiest fishing ports in the United States, and is a hub for the region's lucrative fishing fleet. Other major employers in Unalaska include the local government, transportation and logistics companies, and tourism-related businesses. The city's strategic location and natural resources have made it an important economic center for Alaska's Aleutian Islands.

Elections & Voter Records

Elections in Unalaska, Aleutians West County, Alaska operate through a combination of local and state administration. The Aleutians West Census Area Clerk's Office is the primary local contact, located at 229 Airport Beach Road (P.O. Box 8), Unalaska, AK 99685. Residents can reach the office at (907) 581-1266 or clerk@aleutianswest.org. However, the Alaska Division of Elections coordinates most election procedures statewide, including registration and voting protocols. Alaska residents can register online at voterregistration.alaska.gov, the official state portal.
Registration requires a current Alaska driver's license or state ID number, the last four digits of a Social Security number, date of birth, and residential address. The deadline falls 30 days before any election, though the state offers same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day at designated locations. Municipal elections here determine the City Council, with six members serving staggered three-year terms, and the Mayor, who serves a three-year term. These contests typically occur each October, with the next scheduled for October 2025. Candidate filing details, local ballot measures, and sample ballots are available through the City Clerk at City Hall, reachable at (907) 581-1251, and posted at ci.unalaska.ak.us. Residents cast ballots at the Unalaska Community Center, 22 E. 5th Street, Unalaska, though voters should confirm their polling location through the Alaska Division of Elections lookup tool at elections.alaska.gov. Early voting and absentee options are available for all elections. Alaska functions as a vote-by-mail state for many participants—any registered voter can request an absentee ballot through the online portal at www.elections.alaska.gov or by contacting the Division of Elections at (866) 952-8683. Applications should arrive at least 10 days before the election, with emergency provisions available. During the November 2024 general election, Aleutians West Census Area saw approximately 62% turnout among registered voters, with 1,200-1,300 ballots cast from roughly 2,000 registered voters across the census area. The Division of Elections publishes detailed precinct results, including figures for the local voting precinct. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Alaska voters will decide the Governor's race (incumbent Governor Mike Dunleavy's term ends, with gubernatorial elections occurring in four-year cycles), one U.S. Senate seat (Senator Dan Sullivan's seat is up for election in 2026), Alaska's sole U.S. House seat, state legislative races (the community falls within House District 37 and Senate District S, though redistricting may alter boundaries), and various ballot measures. Depending on the cycle, local races may include Aleutians West Census Area Assembly seats. Alaska employs ranked-choice voting for federal and statewide contests following passage of Ballot Measure 2 in 2020, which also established open nonpartisan primaries. Voter registration lists are public records available for purchase for political purposes, though individual voter history (whether someone voted in a specific election, not how they voted) carries restrictions. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are searchable through the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) at aws.state.ak.us/ApocReports/CampaignDisclosure. Candidate filing information, financial disclosures, and contribution data are all publicly accessible. Precinct-level results for all Alaska elections appear at elections.alaska.gov and include detailed breakdowns for local precincts.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Limited: Partial Online | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.0/10 — Aleutians West Census Area and the City of Unalaska benefit from Alaska's statewide court and business entity databases, but property records and local law enforcement data require direct agency contact due to the community's small size and remote location, with most records available by request though not always digitized online.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Unalaska, Alaska?
Fingerprinting services for Unalaska, Alaska residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in the local county. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Unalaska Police Department or the local county Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Alaska Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
To register to vote in Unalaska, Alaska, residents can register online through the Alaska Division of Elections's website, by mail, or in person at the Aleutians West County elections office. Alaska requires voters to be U. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Alaska Division of Elections's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Unalaska, contact the Aleutians West County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Unalaska, Alaska are maintained by the Aleutians West County Assessor's Office and the Aleutians West County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Aleutians West County, including parcels in Unalaska. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Aleutians West County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Alaska counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Aleutians West County offices at the county courthouse. The Aleutians West County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Unalaska, Alaska residents are available through both county and state offices. The Alaska Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, located in Juneau, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Alaska. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Aleutians West County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Aleutians West County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
Business licensing for Unalaska, Alaska operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Unalaska town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Unalaska limits. Aleutians West County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Alaska businesses must register with the Alaska Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Alaska Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Alaska licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Unalaska, contact the Unalaska clerk's office and the Aleutians West County economic development office.