About Haines Borough
Haines Borough does not exist as a borough in Alaska. Alaska has an unusual governmental structure with only organized boroughs and census areas rather than traditional counties. Haines Borough commonly known as Haines is part of Haines Borough Borough, which was incorporated in 2002 as a home-rule borough. The Haines area Borough covers approximately 2,344 square miles in southeastern Alaska, with the borough seat and principal community located in the town of Haines area. As of recent estimates, the borough has a population of approximately 2,500 residents.
Haines Borough is situated on the upper end of the Lynn Canal, approximately 80 miles northwest of Juneau, accessible by road via Haines Highway which connects to the Alaska Highway system. Major landmarks include Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve which hosts the world's largest concentration of bald eagles each fall, and spectacular views of the Takhinsha Mountains. The borough economy historically relied on fishing, timber, and military presence at Fort William H.
Seward (now Chilkoot Barracks). Haines Borough Administration is located at 103 Third Avenue South, Haines, AK 99827. Borough offices include the Clerk's Office, Assessor's Office, and Manager's Office.
The borough maintains property records, tax assessment records, and various business licenses. Haines Borough has rich Tlingit heritage and continues to be home to Alaska Native communities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Haines Borough does not have a traditional sheriff's office as seen in other U.S. Counties. Instead, law enforcement responsibilities are managed by the Haines area Borough Police Department. This department is responsible for patrolling the borough, handling arrests, and maintaining criminal records within its jurisdiction. The department works to ensure public safety and law enforcement across the borough, including the unincorporated areas. The Haines area Borough Police Department is involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
The primary law enforcement agency in Haines Borough is the Haines Borough Police Department, which is responsible for policing the borough, including the city of Haines and surrounding areas. The department handles day-to-day law enforcement activities, crime investigations, and community policing efforts. There are no separate municipal police departments within the borough, so the Haines Borough Police Department is the central agency for all law enforcement needs.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Haines Borough, Alaska is provided primarily by the Haines area Police Department, Haines, AK 99827 Haines Police Department operates under Haines Borough Borough government and provides full police services including patrol, investigations, and jail operations. The department maintains a small detention facility for temporary holding of arrestees before arraignment or transfer to regional facilities.
- Mugshots and booking photos may be available through public records requests, though some restrictions apply for ongoing investigations or juvenile cases.
- Response times for records requests typically range from 3-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request and staffing availability.
Alaska State Troopers also maintain jurisdiction throughout the borough and can be reached at their Haines area post. Arrest records and booking information in Haines area Borough are subject to Alaska's public records laws under AS 40.25.110-40.25.220, the Alaska Public Records Act. The borough does not currently maintain an online inmate lookup system; all inquiries must be made by phone or in person.
Because Haines area is located in Southeast Alaska with limited road access, prisoners requiring long-term detention are typically transferred to Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Juneau or other state facilities.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Haines Borough cover a range of documentation, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Alaska Department of Public Safety, which offers a summary of an individual's criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Haines Borough are maintained by the Haines area Borough Police Department. These records document the circumstances of arrests, charges, and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the police department directly, following the procedures outlined under the Alaska Public Records Act. An arrest record in Haines area Borough typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details. The process makes sure transparency while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Haines Borough does not operate its own jail facility. Instead, individuals arrested in the borough are typically held at Haines Borough Public Safety Building, where short-term detention is managed. The booking process involves recording personal information, photographing, and fingerprinting the arrested individuals.
- Visitation rules are subject to facility policies, and bail processes follow Alaska state guidelines, which allow for cash bail or bond arrangements through the court system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Haines Borough are taken and retained by the Haines Borough Police Department as part of the booking process. These images are considered public records and can be accessed by submitting a request to the police department. Currently, there is no specific online portal for mugshot searches, but inquiries can be made directly to the department. Alaska does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges.
Courts & Case Records
Haines Borough is served by the Alaska Court System's First Judicial District. Haines Borough Court is, Haines, AK 99827 This facility houses both Superior Court and District Court functions. The Superior Court has jurisdiction over felonies, civil cases over $100,000, domestic relations, probate, and appeals from the District Court. Haines Borough Court handles misdemeanors, violations, small claims up to $10,000, civil cases up to $100,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Court records in Alaska are governed by Alaska Court Rules and AS 09.25.010-09.25.220.
- The Alaska Court System provides online case lookup through the CourtView Public Access system available at courts.alaska.gov.
- To obtain certified copies of court documents, requests must be submitted to the Haines area Court clerk with appropriate fees: $10 for certification plus $0.25 per page for copies.
- The court accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone with credit card payment.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Haines Borough are maintained by the Haines area Borough Clerk's Office at 103 Third Avenue South, Haines, AK 99827 However, official recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other real property documents is handled by the Alaska Recorder's Office through the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources. The nearest full-service recording district office for Haines is the Juneau Recording District. Documents can be recorded in person, by mail, or through authorized electronic recording systems.
- Recording fees are established by state statute at AS 40.17.
- Property tax records can be searched online through the borough website at hainesalaska.gov, where property owners can view current and historical assessments, tax amounts, payment status, and parcel maps.
- The online Geographic Information System (GIS) portal provides parcel viewers with aerial imagery, zoning information, and property boundaries.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
Vital Records
Vital records for Haines Borough residents are maintained by the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, located at 5441 Commercial Boulevard, Juneau, AK 99801. Birth certificates for births occurring in Haines can be requested from the state vital records office by mail, in person at any Bureau of Vital Statistics office, or online through VitalChek at alaska.gov/dph/bvs. Birth certificate fees are $30 for the first certified copy and $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship to the registrant.
- Death certificates are also available through the Bureau of Vital Statistics for the same fees as birth certificates.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and same-day for in-person requests when records are readily available.
- Same-day expedited service is available for an additional fee when visiting offices in person.
- Online orders through VitalChek include processing fees and credit card convenience fees, with delivery in approximately 7-10 business days.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Haines Borough is handled through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Local business licenses are issued by Haines Borough Clerk's Office at 103 Third Avenue South, Haines Borough, AK 99827 All businesses operating within borough boundaries must obtain a Haines Borough business license annually, with fees varying based on gross receipts and business classification as outlined in Haines Borough Borough Code. Applications are available at the Clerk's Office or online at hainesalaska.gov.
- The state maintains a searchable business entity database where the public can look up corporations, LLCs, and other registered entities by name or entity number.
- Sales tax does not exist in Alaska at the state level, but Haines area Borough imposes a 5.5% sales tax on goods and services; businesses must register for sales tax permits through the Borough Clerk.
- The Greater Haines area Chamber of Commerce, located at 122 Second Avenue, provides business development resources and networking opportunities; their website is hainesalaskacc.org.
For state-level business entity registration including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trade names, businesses must register with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing online at commerce.alaska.gov/cbpl. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, electricians, and healthcare providers are issued by the state Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. Building permits and land use permits are administered by the Haines area Borough Planning Department at the same address
Zoning questions and conditional use permits are handled by the Planning Commission.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Haines Borough, Alaska are administered by Haines Borough Borough Clerk, who is the local election official. The Borough Clerk's Office is located at 103 Third Avenue South, Haines, AK 99827, phone, and information is available at hainesalaska.gov. Voter registration in Alaska is handled through the Alaska Division of Elections, and Haines area Borough residents can register online at voterregistration.alaska.gov, in person at the Borough Clerk's Office, by mail, or when applying for a Permanent Fund Dividend.
- Registered voters in Haines Borough can find their polling place by contacting the Borough Clerk or checking the Division of Elections website at elections.alaska.gov.
- Alaska is a vote-by-mail friendly state, and any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without providing an excuse.
- The 2024 general election saw typical turnout for a rural Alaska borough, with approximately 65-70% of registered voters participating, reflecting strong civic engagement.
- Election transparency in Alaska is governed by AS 15, and citizens can request election records through public records requests to the Borough Clerk.
The voter registration deadline is 30 days before any election. The primary polling location in Haines is typically at the Harriett Hall Community Center. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Division of Elections website or the Borough Clerk's Office and must be received by the Saturday before Election Day for general elections.
Public election records in Haines area Borough include the official voter registration list (minus confidential information for protected voters), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission, candidate filing documents, and precinct-level election results. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm races, Alaska Governor, Alaska Legislature seats, and various local borough positions including Assembly seats.
Haines Borough Borough operates under ranked-choice voting for certain elections as implemented by Alaska's election system. Precinct results are published on election night and certified results are available within two weeks following each election. The Borough Clerk's Office maintains election archives dating back to borough incorporation.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Haines Borough is characterized by natural resource industries, tourism, and small business entrepreneurship. Commercial fishing, particularly salmon gillnetting and halibut longlining, remains a significant economic driver with processors operating seasonally. Tourism contributes substantially to the local economy, with cruise ship passengers visiting during summer months and independent travelers arriving via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system and Haines Highway.
- The median household income in Haines Borough Borough is estimated at approximately $52,000, below the Alaska state median but reflecting the rural character and seasonal employment patterns.
Major employers include Haines Borough Borough School District, the borough government itself, Alaska Marine Highway System ferry terminal operations, and retail establishments serving both locals and visitors. Outdoor recreation and adventure tourism companies offer guiding services for fishing, wildlife viewing, rafting, and hiking. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve attracts thousands of visitors annually during the fall eagle congregation.
Timber harvesting, once a major employer, has declined significantly since the closure of large-scale operations in the 1990s. Arts and crafts, particularly Alaska Native art and metalwork, contribute to the cultural economy. The former Fort William H.
Seward military installation has been repurposed for residential and cultural uses. Recent economic development efforts focus on year-round tourism diversification, small-scale agriculture and food production, and remote worker attraction. Unemployment rates fluctuate seasonally, typically ranging from 4-8% depending on the season, with higher rates in winter months when tourism and fishing activities cease.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Online Tax/Assessment Records | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering Available | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10, Haines Borough provides good access to property and election records online, though arrest logs require direct contact with police.
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Cities & Towns in Haines Borough
Explore public records for 1 cities and communities in Haines Borough, Alaska.