About Kodiak Island Borough
Kodiak Island Borough (often referred to as Kodiak Island Borough) is a unique second-class borough located in the Gulf of Alaska, including the Kodiak Archipelago. The borough seat is the City of Kodiak, situated on Kodiak Island, the second-largest island in the United States. As of recent estimates, the borough has a population of approximately 13,000 residents spread across roughly 12,022 square miles, of which 6,559 square miles is land area.
- The borough's economy historically centers on commercial fishing, particularly salmon, crab, and pollock processing.
The archipelago consists of Kodiak Island Borough and numerous smaller islands including Afognak, Shuyak, Sitkalidak, Raspberry, and Uganik islands. Kodiak Island Borough is renowned for the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which protects the habitat of the famous Kodiak brown bear, one of the largest bear subspecies in the world. The U.S.
Coast Guard maintains a significant presence at Coast Guard Base Kodiak, one of the largest Coast Guard installations in the nation. Kodiak Island Borough Borough operates through various departments including the Borough Clerk located at 710 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, and the Assessor's Office at the same address. The Recorder function is handled through the borough administration.
Kodiak Island Borough has a rich Alutiiq heritage spanning over 7,500 years, with indigenous communities maintaining cultural traditions and subsistence practices. The Russian-American period left lasting architectural landmarks including the Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church. The remote island location, accessible primarily by plane or ferry, creates unique challenges and character for public administration and record-keeping.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Kodiak Island Borough does not have a traditional sheriff's office as seen in many other U.S. Counties. Instead, law enforcement responsibilities are primarily handled by the Alaska State Troopers and the Kodiak Police Department. These agencies are responsible for patrolling the unincorporated areas of the borough, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Alaska State Troopers play a crucial role in law enforcement across the borough, offering specialized programs and divisions to address the unique challenges of policing in this remote region.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Kodiak Island Borough is primarily managed by the Kodiak Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers. The Kodiak Police Department serves the city of Kodiak, handling local law enforcement duties, including crime prevention, investigation, and community policing. The Alaska State Troopers provide broader coverage across the borough, addressing law enforcement needs in more remote areas and coordinating with local agencies on major crimes. These agencies work collaboratively to ensure public safety and respond effectively to emergencies throughout the borough.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Kodiak Island Borough is primarily provided by the Alaska State Troopers, as the borough does not maintain a traditional borough sheriff's office. The Alaska State Troopers Kodiak Post is located at 2421 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Within the borough, the Kodiak Police Department serves the City of Kodiak and is headquartered at 2160 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 The department handles municipal law enforcement, arrests, and initial booking within city limits.
- Requests for arrest records can be submitted to the Alaska State Troopers or Kodiak Police Department, typically requiring a written request with specific information about the individual or incident.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Department of Corrections or by specific request to the arresting agency.
- Processing times for public records requests typically range from 10-30 days depending on the complexity and volume of records requested.
- Fees for copies and searches vary by agency but must comply with Alaska statutory limits.
For jail and inmate information, the Kodiak Jail is operated by the Alaska Department of Corrections and located at 1421 Rezanof Drive West, Kodiak, AK 99615. Inmate lookup can be conducted through the Alaska Department of Corrections Offender Locator at http://www.correct.state.ak.us/. Arrest records and booking information are considered public records under Alaska Statute 40.25.110-40.25.140, the Alaska Public Records Act.
The U.S. Coast Guard maintains law enforcement jurisdiction for maritime violations and federal crimes on base property. The Sun'aq Tribe of Kodiak and Akhiok-Kaguyak, Inc.
May have tribal public safety officers addressing matters within their jurisdictions.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Kodiak Island Borough includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. These records are maintained by the Kodiak Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers, with oversight from the Alaska Bureau of Investigation. Residents can run background checks through the Alaska Department of Public Safety, which provides full criminal history reports.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kodiak Island Borough are maintained by the Kodiak Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through formal written requests to the relevant law enforcement agency, in compliance with the Alaska Public Records Act. Arrest records provide crucial information for legal proceedings and background checks, for public access the criminal justice system.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Kodiak Jail, operated by the Kodiak Police Department, is the primary detention facility within Kodiak Island Borough. The booking process at the Kodiak Jail involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest, with records maintained by the police department. Inmate lookup services are available through direct contact with the facility, allowing family members and legal representatives to obtain information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Alaska allows for the release of individuals pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Kodiak Island Borough are taken and retained by the Kodiak Police Department during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through official channels, such as direct requests to the police department or through court records if they are part of a public case. Alaska does not have specific laws governing the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can seek legal avenues to address inaccuracies or privacy concerns related to their mugshots.
Courts & Case Records
Kodiak Island Borough is served by the Alaska Court System's Third Judicial District. The Kodiak Courthouse is located at 204 Mission Road, Room 122, Kodiak, AK 99615, and houses both Superior Court and District Court functions. The courthouse can be contacted through the office’s website. The Superior Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $100,000, domestic relations, probate matters, and appeals from the District Court. Kodiak Island Borough Court handles misdemeanor crimes, civil cases up to $100,000, small claims up to $10,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- However, certain documents may require in-person requests or written authorization.
- Fees for certified copies are typically $5 for the first two pages and $2 for each additional page, with search fees of $15 per name per year searched if staff assistance is required.
- Case files can be accessed in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays.
Alaska does not have separate Circuit Courts or traditional Justice Courts as found in some states. Court records are governed by Alaska Court Rules and Alaska Statute 40.25.110, which provide public access to most court documents with specific exemptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and certain sensitive cases. The Alaska Court System maintains an online case search portal called CourtView, accessible at http://www.courtrecords.alaska.gov/, which allows free public access to search civil and criminal case information statewide, including Kodiak cases.
Probate records are maintained by the Superior Court and are generally public unless sealed by court order. The clerk's office handles passport applications, notary commissions, and various court related services beyond case management.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Kodiak Island Borough are maintained by Kodiak Island Borough Clerk's Office, which is the recording district, located at 710 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 The Clerk's office records deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. Alaska operates under a recording district system rather than traditional borough recorder offices, and Kodiak comprises the Kodiak Recording District.
- Documents can be recorded in person or by mail, with recording fees set by Alaska Statute 40.17.030, typically $20 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
- The Alaska Department of Natural Resources maintains the Alaska Land Records Information System, though individual recording districts handle the actual recording process.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
Property tax records and assessed valuations are managed by Kodiak Island Borough Borough Assessor's Office at the same Mill Bay Road address The Assessor maintains property cards, ownership records, tax roll information, and exemption records. An online property search is available through the borough's website at https://www.kodiakak.us/, where users can search by owner name, parcel number, or property address to view assessment information, tax amounts, and payment history free of charge.
The borough also offers a GIS mapping system for viewing parcel boundaries, zoning, and geographic features. Property owners can appeal assessments to the Board of Equalization, with deadlines typically 30 days after assessment notices are mailed. The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31, with taxes due on September 15 annually.
Vital Records
Vital records for Kodiak Island Borough residents are managed through the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, which is the central repository for all Alaska birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. The state office is located at 5441 Commercial Boulevard, Juneau, AK 99801, but operates a walk-in office in Anchorage at 825 L Street, Anchorage, AK 99501. Birth certificates cost $30 for the first certified copy and $25 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost the same.
- Processing times are typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests and same-day or next-day for in-person applications at the Anchorage office.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.alaska.gov/dph/bvs/, with additional convenience fees of approximately $15-20 plus expedited shipping costs.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained in person from the Kodiak Magistrate Court at 204 Mission Road, Room 101, Kodiak, AK 99615, with a $60 fee.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Alaska Statute 18.50.330. Both parties must appear with valid identification, and there is a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid. The license is valid for 90 days.
Marriage certificates (proof of a marriage) can be ordered from the Bureau of Vital Statistics after the completed license is returned and recorded. Divorce records are maintained by the Superior Court where the divorce was granted and can also be ordered through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Adoptions, paternity establishments, and legitimation records are confidential and sealed under Alaska law.
Certified copies are required for most legal purposes including passport applications, driver's licenses, and benefits claims.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Kodiak Island Borough occurs at multiple levels. Kodiak Island Borough Borough requires local business licenses for commercial operations within borough boundaries, administered by the Borough Clerk's Office at 710 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 License requirements and fees vary based on business type and location. The City of Kodiak maintains separate business licensing requirements for operations within city limits, administered by the City Clerk at 710 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615
Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA) can be filed with the Borough Clerk's office. For state-level business entity formation and registration, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Corporations Section maintains all corporate filings, limited liability companies, partnerships, and trade names. The searchable business entity database is available at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/entities, providing free access to registered business information including status, registered agent, officers, and filing history.
Professional licenses including contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, and numerous other occupations are issued by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, searchable at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/professional. Alaska does not have a state sales tax, but the Kodiak area Borough levies a 6% sales tax, and the City of Kodiak levies an additional sales tax. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by the Kodiak area Borough Planning Department for The Greater Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 Marine Way, Suite 300, Kodiak, AK 99615, provides business resources, networking, and advocacy, with information available at https://www.kodiak.org/.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Kodiak Island Borough are administered by Kodiak Island Borough Borough Clerk's Office, located at 710 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 Voter registration in Alaska is managed by the Alaska Division of Elections, which maintains a statewide voter registration database. Residents can register to vote online at https://voterregistration.alaska.gov/, by mail, or in person at the Borough Clerk's office or Alaska Division of Elections regional office. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- Citizens, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, Alaska residents for at least 30 days, and not registered to vote in another jurisdiction.
- All Alaska voters are automatically eligible to vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot.
Alaska offers same-day voter registration during the early voting period but not on Election Day itself. Voters can find their polling place by visiting the Alaska Division of Elections website at https://myvoterinformation.alaska.gov/ or by contacting the Borough Clerk. Kodiak Island Borough Borough typically operates 3-5 polling locations for general elections, with the primary location at Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Chambers.
Election records that are public under Alaska Statute 15.13.040 and 15.07.195 include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filing documents, and campaign finance disclosure reports. The Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) maintains campaign finance records at https://aws.state.ak.us/ApocReports/. In the 2024 general election, Kodiak Island Borough Borough had approximately 61% voter turnout, consistent with statewide turnout patterns.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include races for Alaska's U.S. House seat, one U.S. Senate seat, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislature seats, and various local positions.
Alaska uses ranked-choice voting for federal and statewide races, implemented in 2022. Absentee voting applications are available through the Alaska Division of Elections website or the Borough Clerk, with applications accepted beginning 90 days before an election. Early voting typically begins 15 days before Election Day at designated locations.
Ballot drop boxes and by-mail return options are available. Kodiak Island Borough Borough provides excellent election transparency, with detailed precinct results published online, accessible voter information systems, and responsive public records compliance for election related documents.
Economy & Demographics
Kodiak Island Borough's economy is heavily dominated by commercial fishing and seafood processing, which accounts for approximately 70% of the local economic base. The borough is home to one of the most productive fishing ports in the United States, consistently ranking in the top five nationally by value and volume of seafood landed. Major employers include Trident Seafoods, Alaska Ship and Drydock, American Seafoods, and Westward Seafoods, which operate processing facilities and support services. The U.S.
- The tourism sector provides seasonal employment, focused on sport fishing, wildlife viewing (particularly Kodiak bears), kayaking, and cultural heritage sites.
- The Alaska Marine Highway System provides ferry service connecting Kodiak to Homer and other coastal communities, supporting both freight and passenger transportation.
- Recent economic development efforts focus on renewable energy projects, expanded cold storage capacity, and value-added seafood processing.
- The remote location creates challenges for economic diversification but also provides unique opportunities in research, maritime services, and specialized logistics.
Coast Guard Base Kodiak employs approximately 1,100 active-duty military and 280 civilian personnel, making it the second-largest employer and a significant economic stabilizer. The median household income in Kodiak Island Borough seat area Borough is estimated at approximately $75,000, significantly above the national average, though the cost of living is also considerably higher due to the remote island location. Subsistence harvesting of fish, game, and plants remains culturally and economically important for many residents, particularly in outlying villages.
The borough has relatively low unemployment, typically ranging from 5-7% with seasonal variation. The Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people maintain economic interests through tribal corporations including Koniag, Inc, a regional Native corporation with investments in government services, resource development, and real estate.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (CourtView) | Property: Yes: Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online (State System) | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Online (State Database) | Elections: Yes: Online Portal | Overall Score: 9/10, Kodiak Island Borough provides excellent digital access to public records through state and local systems, with online search capabilities for most record types.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Kodiak Island Borough
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska.