About North Slope Borough
The North Slope Borough (not borough, Alaska has boroughs, not counties) is the northernmost borough in Alaska and the United States, including approximately 94,796 square miles of Arctic territory. The borough seat is Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), the northernmost settlement in the United States, located 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle. With a population of approximately 11,000 residents as of recent census estimates, North Slope Borough Borough spans an area larger than the state of Utah.
The borough is home to the Iñupiat people, who have inhabited this Arctic region for thousands of years. Major landmarks include the Arctic Ocean coastline, the Brooks Range, Prudhoe Bay (North America's largest oil field), the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, and portions of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The borough contains eight villages: Utqiaġvik, Point Hope, Point Lay, Wainwright, Atqasuk, Nuiqsut, Kaktovik, and Anaktuvuk Pass.
What makes the Utqiagvik area Borough unique is its extreme Arctic climate, polar night and midnight sun phenomena, massive oil and gas reserves generating substantial revenues, and its predominantly Indigenous population maintaining traditional subsistence lifestyles. North Slope Borough Borough Assembly is the legislative body, with administrative offices located at 1274 Agvik Street in Utqiaġvik. The Borough Tax Assessor's office handles property records and assessments, while the Borough Clerk manages vital records and municipal documents.
The borough operates under a home-rule charter adopted in 1972, making it one of Alaska's most politically and economically significant regions due to Prudhoe Bay petroleum production.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The North Slope Borough does not have a traditional sheriff's office; instead, law enforcement services are provided by North Slope Borough Borough Police Department. This department is responsible for patrolling the borough's communities, maintaining public safety, and processing arrests. The department also manages criminal records and works closely with local and state agencies to ensure full law enforcement coverage across North Slope Borough.
Police Departments
The primary law enforcement agency in North Slope Borough is the North Slope Borough Police Department, which serves the entire borough, including its remote communities. In addition to the borough police, the Alaska State Troopers provide support, particularly in areas without a local police presence. The coordination between these agencies ensures full coverage and response to major crimes, with the borough police focusing on community-specific issues and the state troopers handling broader jurisdictional matters.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in the North Slope Borough is provided primarily by the Alaska State Troopers, North Slope Borough Borough Department of Public Safety (Borough Police), and Village Public Safety Officers (VPSOs) in smaller communities. North Slope Borough Borough Department of Public Safety operates from Utqiaġvik and can be reached, with jurisdiction throughout borough communities. The Alaska State Troopers maintain a post in Utqiaġvik at and handle major criminal investigations, search and rescue operations, and wildlife enforcement across this vast Arctic territory.
- Written requests for arrest records should be submitted to the Utqiagvik area Borough Department of Public Safety or the Alaska State Troopers.
- Mugshots and booking photos may be obtained through public records requests to the arresting agency, though digital databases are not publicly accessible online for North Slope Borough Borough.
The Utqiagvik area Borough jail facility, located at the Public Safety Building in Utqiaġvik, houses arrestees and short-term inmates; for inmate information, contact the Department of Public Safety for Arrest records and booking information are maintained by both the Borough Police and Alaska State Troopers. Under Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.110-220), arrest records are generally public unless sealed by court order or involving juveniles. Village Public Safety Officers serve in communities like Point Hope, Wainwright, Atqasuk, Nuiqsut, and other villages, working under Alaska State Trooper supervision.
The remote Arctic location means response times can be extended, and weather conditions often impact law enforcement mobility. Tribal governments in each village may also have tribal police or public safety departments operating under tribal jurisdiction for certain matters on tribal lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in North Slope Borough cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as entries in the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the North Slope Borough Police Department and the Alaska Bureau of Investigation. Residents can run background checks through the state bureau, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Alaska Bureau of Investigation offers full background checks that include arrest records, convictions, and other pertinent criminal data, so that North Slope residents have access to necessary public safety information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in North Slope Borough are maintained by North Slope Borough Borough Police Department. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the police department directly, following the guidelines set by the Alaska Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's details, providing a summary of the incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
The North Slope Borough does not operate its own jail facility; instead, detainees are typically held at North Slope Borough Borough Police Department's holding cells before being transferred to larger facilities in Fairbanks or Anchorage. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are limited due to the small size of the local holding facilities, but information can be obtained through direct contact with the police department.
- Visitation rules are determined by the facility where the detainee is ultimately held, and the bond process follows Alaska's state guidelines, requiring coordination with the court system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in North Slope Borough are taken and retained by the North Slope Borough Police Department during the booking process. These images are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the police department upon request. While Alaska does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances. Mugshots may also be available through court records if they are part of a public case file.
Courts & Case Records
The North Slope Borough falls under North Slope Borough of the Alaska Court System's Second Judicial District, with court facilities located in Utqiaġvik. The Utqiaġvik Superior and District Court is located at 5230 Ihlu Street, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723 The Alaska Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $100,000, domestic relations (divorce, custody), probate, and appeals from district court. The Alaska District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, civil cases up to $100,000, small claims up to $10,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Certified copies of court documents require a written request and payment of fees: $5 per document plus $2 per page for copies.
- The Clerk of Court in Utqiaġvik handles case filings, fee payments, and record requests.
- For full searches or older archived cases, written requests should be submitted to the Clerk of Court at the Utqiaġvik address.
The court also hears cases from other Utqiagvik area communities through circuit court sessions. Alaska court records are governed by Alaska Court Rules and Administrative Rules, with public access provided under Alaska Court Rule of Administration 37 and AS 09.25.100-220. The Alaska Court System maintains CourtView, a statewide online case search system available at courtrecords.alaska.gov, where users can search civil, criminal, domestic violence, probate, and appellate cases by name or case number at no charge.
Some confidential records (juvenile cases, sealed records, certain domestic violence files) are restricted. Due to the remote location, many proceedings are conducted via telephone or videoconference from other communities within the borough.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in the North Slope Borough are maintained by the Utqiagvik area Borough Tax Assessor's Office, located at 1274 Agvik Street, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723 The borough maintains records of property ownership, tax assessments, property descriptions, and tax payment history. However, land ownership in North Slope Borough is complex, involving Alaska Native corporation lands (ANCSA corporations), federal lands, state lands, and limited borough-owned parcels.
- The Utqiagvik area Borough Tax Assessor provides property tax information and assessment records; property tax rates and assessed values can be obtained by calling or visiting the office in person.
- Certified copies of recorded documents require written requests and applicable fees.
The Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) is North Slope Countyal Alaska Native corporation controlling significant surface and subsurface rights throughout North Slope Borough. Village corporations in each community also hold title to lands surrounding their respective villages. For deed records, mortgages, liens, and recorded instruments on borough-assessed properties, contact the Utqiagvik area Borough Tax Assessor or the Alaska Recorder's Office District Recording Office.
The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Recorder's Office maintains official land records for state and private lands, accessible at dnr.alaska.gov/recorders. An online property tax search portal may be available through the borough website at north-slope.org, though full GIS and parcel viewing systems are limited compared to urban Alaska boroughs. Due to the predominance of Native corporation lands and federal holdings (National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge), traditional borough recorder functions are more limited than in other jurisdictions.
Oil and gas lease records for state and federal lands are maintained by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and the Bureau of Land Management respectively.
Vital Records
Vital records for North Slope Borough residents are managed by the Utqiagvik area Borough Clerk's Office at 1274 Agvik Street, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723, phone, and by the Alaska Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics in Juneau. Birth certificates for births occurring in Utqiagvik area Borough communities can be requested from the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, 5441 Commercial Boulevard, Juneau, AK 99801, phone, or online at Alaska.gov/dph/VitalStats.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $30, with processing times typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests and expedited service available for additional fees.
- The Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics offers online ordering through VitalChek for expedited processing with credit card payment.
Death certificates are also obtained through the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics using the same process and fee schedule; certified death certificates cost $30 for the first copy and $25 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest (family member, legal representative, or person with court order). Marriage licenses in Alaska are issued by marriage commissioners or judicial officers; couples planning to marry in North Slope Borough should contact North Slope Borough Borough Clerk for information on local marriage commissioners.
Marriage certificates and divorce decrees are maintained by the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics and the court that granted the divorce respectively. Alaska vital records law is codified under AS 18.50, which governs confidentiality and access to vital records. Only eligible persons may obtain certified copies of birth and death certificates; genealogical researchers may obtain informational (non-certified) copies of older records.
Due to the remote Arctic location, residents often use mail or online ordering options rather than in-person visits to Juneau.
Business & Licensing
Business registration and licensing in the North Slope Borough involves both borough-level and state-level processes. The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Corporations Section maintains the statewide business entity database, accessible at commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main, where users can search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered entities at no charge. All businesses operating in Alaska must register with the state through the Corporations Section, with filing fees ranging from $50-$250 depending on entity type.
- Professional licenses (medical, engineering, trades, etc.) are issued by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, searchable online at the same commerce.alaska.gov portal.
- Alaska does not have a statewide sales tax, but North Slope Borough Borough imposes property taxes and may have specific local taxes or fees.
For local business licenses within North Slope Borough, contact North Slope Borough Borough Administration at or visit the borough offices at 1274 Agvik Street, Utqiaġvik. The borough may require business licenses for certain activities, particularly those involving retail sales, contracting, or commercial operations. Doing Business As (DBA) or fictitious name registrations are filed with the Alaska Department of Commerce.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and development permits are handled by North Slope Borough Borough Planning Department Given the significant oil and gas industry presence, businesses operating in petroleum extraction or support services must comply with extensive state and federal regulations. The Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) and village corporations are major economic players, and businesses may need to coordinate with these entities.
The Utqiagvik area Borough Economic Development Corporation can provide information on local business climate and opportunities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in the North Slope Borough are administered by North Slope Borough Clerk's Office, located at 1274 Agvik Street, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723 Borough elections for Mayor and Assembly seats occur on regular cycles, typically in October of odd-numbered years. Voter registration for all elections in Alaska is managed by the Alaska Division of Elections, with registration available online at voterregistration.alaska.gov or by completing a paper application available from the borough clerk or any Alaska Division of Elections office.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place at myvoterinformation.alaska.gov.
- North Slope Borough Borough voter turnout for the 2024 general election was approximately 45-55% of registered voters, consistent with statewide rural Alaska patterns.
- Alaska voters may request absentee ballots online at voterregistration.alaska.gov or by contacting the Alaska Division of Elections, Region IV Office in Nome, which serves North Slope.
- North Slope Borough Clerk can provide local assistance with absentee ballot requests and voter information.
The voter registration deadline in Alaska is 30 days before any election. For Utqiagvik area Borough elections, polling places are established in Utqiaġvik and the villages of Point Hope, Point Lay, Wainwright, Atqasuk, Nuiqsut, Kaktovik, and Anaktuvuk Pass. Alaska election records, including precinct-level results, voter registration statistics (without individual voter information), campaign finance disclosures, and candidate filings, are public records under AS 15 (Alaska Election Code) and accessible through the Alaska Division of Elections website at elections.alaska.gov.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Alaska gubernatorial and state legislative elections, and potential ballot measures. Absentee and by-mail voting is extensively used in the Utqiagvik area due to weather, subsistence activities, and travel.
Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Division at least 10 days before the election. Election transparency is strong: precinct results, turnout data, and campaign finance reports are published online by the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) at aws.state.ak.us/ApocReports. Citizens can request election records including ballot counting procedures, voter lists (with restrictions), and administrative documents under Alaska Public Records Act by contacting the Division of Elections or the Borough Clerk.
Economy & Demographics
The North Slope Borough has one of the highest median household incomes in Alaska, estimated at over $90,000 annually, driven overwhelmingly by petroleum revenues and public sector employment. The economy is dominated by oil and gas extraction, particularly at Prudhoe Bay and the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, which generate billions in revenue through property taxes on oil infrastructure, the borough's primary funding source. ConocoPhillips Alaska, Hilcorp Alaska, and other petroleum companies are the largest private employers.
North Slope Borough government is the single largest employer, with over 900 employees in administration, public safety, education, utilities, and public works. The borough operates extensive capital improvement programs, constructing and maintaining infrastructure across vast Arctic distances. Traditional subsistence activities, hunting bowhead whales, caribou, seals, fish, and birds, remain culturally and economically vital, with many residents participating in mixed cash-subsistence economies.
The Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), headquartered in Utqiaġvik, is a major economic force with diversified holdings in petroleum services, refining, construction, and government contracting, employing thousands across Alaska and the Lower 48. Tourism is growing modestly, with visitors drawn to experience the Arctic Ocean, midnight sun, polar night, and Iñupiat culture. The borough faces economic challenges including extremely high costs of living (fuel, food, housing transported by air or seasonal barge), climate change impacts on infrastructure and subsistence resources, and dependence on volatile oil prices.
Major economic development initiatives include expanding telecommunications infrastructure, renewable energy projects (wind power in several communities), and supporting local entrepreneurship. Unemployment rates fluctuate seasonally but remain generally below state and national averages due to public sector employment and oil industry opportunities. North Slope Borough's economic model is unique in the United States: massive petroleum wealth redistributed through full public services, including free health care for residents and extensive capital projects.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (CourtView) | Property: Limited: Online (Complex Land Status) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/Written Request | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10 No:rth Slope Borough and Alaska provide good online access to court, business, and election records, but property records are complicated by Native corporation lands, and arrest/vital records require direct agency contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
How do I get a criminal background check in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
How can I look up sex offenders in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
How do I register to vote in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
How do I look up property records in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
How do I find business license records in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
Cities & Towns in North Slope Borough
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in North Slope Borough, Alaska.