About Wrangell City and Borough
Wrangell City and City and Borough does not exist as a legal entity in Alaska. Wrangell City and City and Borough commonly referenced is the City and City and Borough of Wrangell, a unified home rule city and borough located in Southeast Alaska along the Alaska Panhandle. The local community includes approximately 2,556 square miles, with the community situated on the northern tip of Wrangell area Island. As of the 2020 Census, the population was approximately 2,127 residents.
The city and borough seat is the city of Wrangell, one of the oldest non-Native settlements in Alaska, founded in 1834. Wrangell City and City and Borough is characterized by temperate rainforest, rugged mountains including portions of the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, and extensive coastline along the Eastern Passage and Zimovia Strait. Major landmarks include the Anan Wildlife Observatory, Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park with ancient Tlingit rock carvings, and the Stikine River Delta.
The economy traditionally relies on timber, fishing, and increasingly tourism. The City and City and Borough of Wrangell operates as a consolidated government with a City and Borough Manager and Assembly. The City and Borough Clerk's office is located at 205 Brueger Street, Wrangell, AK 99929.
The Assessing Department handles property valuations at the same address. Public records functions are distributed among city and borough departments rather than traditional city and borough offices, reflecting Alaska's unique city and borough system established under the Alaska Constitution.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Wrangell City and City and Borough does not have a traditional sheriff's office due to its unique governance structure as a city-city and borough. Instead, law enforcement duties are primarily handled by Wrangell Police Department. This department is responsible for patrolling the city and borough, maintaining public order, and processing arrests. It also manages criminal records and collaborates with other agencies for law enforcement activities.
Police Departments
The primary law enforcement agency in Wrangell City and City and Borough is the Wrangell Police Department, which serves the entire city and borough, including the city of Wrangell. This department is responsible for general law enforcement duties, emergency response, and maintaining public safety. There are no separate municipal police departments within the city and borough, as the Wrangell Police Department handles all policing functions. The department coordinates with state and federal agencies on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in the City and City and Borough of Wrangell is primarily provided by Wrangell City and City and Borough Police Department, located at 215 Front Street, Wrangell City and City and Borough, AK 99929 The department operates 24/7 and handles all municipal law enforcement duties within city and borough boundaries. Alaska does not use a traditional city and borough sheriff system in most boroughs; instead, Alaska State Troopers provide regional law enforcement support and handle unincorporated areas.
- Requests for arrest records should be submitted in writing to Wrangell Police Department, with fees applicable for copying and research time.
- Mugshots and booking photos may be obtained through public records requests to the police department, though online databases are not routinely maintained at the local level.
The nearest Alaska State Trooper post serves Wrangell City and City and Borough from Petersburg or Ketchikan. Arrest records and police reports are public records under Alaska Statute 40.25.110-120 (Alaska Public Records Act). The city and borough does not operate a separate city and borough jail; Wrangell City Jail is a temporary holding facility for arrestees pending arraignment or transfer.
For longer-term incarceration, inmates are typically transferred to regional facilities such as the Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Juneau or other Alaska Department of Corrections facilities. Inmate lookup for state facilities is available through the Alaska Department of Corrections Offender Locator at http://www.correct.state.ak.us/. Wrangell Cooperative Association (federally recognized Tribe) maintains limited public safety coordination but does not operate a separate police force.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Wrangell City and City and Borough cover a variety of documents, including felony and misdemeanor records, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Wrangell Police Department and the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Residents can conduct background checks through the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Wrangell City and City and Borough are maintained by Wrangell City and City and Borough Police Department. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the department, often requiring a formal request process. Arrest records typically include details such as the individual's name, charges, arrest date, and booking information. The Alaska Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Wrangell Police Department operates the local detention facility, which is the primary jail for the city and borough. This facility handles the booking process for people arrested within the city and borough. Inmates can be searched through the police department's records, and visitation rules are established by the department, often requiring prior scheduling and adherence to specific guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Alaska's state laws, allowing for the posting of bail to secure release pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Wrangell City and City and Borough are taken and retained by the Wrangell Police Department as part of the booking process. These booking photos are generally included in arrest records and can be accessed through formal requests to the department. While some mugshot information may be available online, it is often necessary to contact the department directly for full access. Alaska does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may seek removal through legal channels if applicable.
Courts & Case Records
The City and City and Borough of Wrangell is served by the Alaska Court System First Judicial District. The Wrangell area Courthouse is located at 215 Front Street, Wrangell, AK 99929 This facility houses the Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over felonies, civil cases over $100,000, divorces, and appeals from the District Court. Wrangell City and City and Borough Court handles misdemeanors, small claims up to $10,000, civil cases under $100,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- The Alaska Court System maintains CourtView, a free online case search portal at https://records.courts.alaska.gov/eaccess, where users can search civil, criminal, probate, and family law cases by name or case number.
- Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Wrangell area Clerk of Court at the above address, with fees of $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee.
- Traffic citations and minor infractions are processed through the District Court.
- The court accepts online payments for certain fees through the Alaska Court System website.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for the City and City and Borough of Wrangell are maintained by the City and Borough Clerk's office at 205 Brueger Street, Wrangell, AK 99929 Unlike lower-48 counties, Alaska boroughs do not always have separate Recorder of Deeds offices; recording functions are handled through the clerk. Real property documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, and subdivision plats are recorded with the City and Borough Clerk pursuant to Alaska Statute 40.17.
- Recording fees are set by ordinance, typically $20 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
- The city and borough does not currently offer a full online property records search system for recorded documents; requests must be made in person, by mail, or by phone.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a fee, with the clerk certifying authenticity under seal.
Property tax assessment records are maintained by Wrangell City and City and Borough Assessing Department at the same address The Assessor maintains records of property ownership, assessed values, exemptions, and tax payment history. While a dedicated online parcel viewer may not be available, property tax information can be obtained by contacting the Assessing Department directly.
The city and borough maintains grantor-grantee indexes and legal description indexes to help with title searches. Survey plats and subdivision maps are also available for inspection and copying. Alaska Native allotments and federal land records may require contact with the Bureau of Land Management Alaska State Office.
Vital Records
Vital records for births and deaths occurring in the City and City and Borough of Wrangell are maintained by the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, located at 5441 Commercial Boulevard, Juneau, AK 99801 Alaska operates a centralized vital records system under Alaska Statute 18.50. Birth certificates cost $30 for the first certified copy and $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates have the same fee structure. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- VitalChek offers online ordering at https://www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees and faster processing.
- Couples must apply in person, pay a $60 fee (as of 2024), and observe a three-day waiting period unless waived.
Birth records are restricted for 100 years; only the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal representatives, or those with a court order may obtain certified copies. Death records are restricted for 50 years with similar access limitations. Applications can be submitted by mail using form VS 06-5555 for births or VS 06-5556 for deaths, available at http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/VitalStats/.
Marriage licenses are issued by Wrangell City and City and Borough City and Borough Clerk at 205 Brueger Street, Wrangell City and City and Borough, AK 99929. Divorce decrees and legal separations are obtained through the Alaska Court System Superior Court where the case was filed, not through vital records offices. Identification requirements include government-issued photo ID and documentation of eligibility to receive restricted records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in the City and City and Borough of Wrangell involves both local and state requirements. Wrangell City and City and Borough City and Borough Clerk at 205 Brueger Street, Wrangell City and City and Borough, AK 99929, phone, handles local business license applications. All businesses operating within city and borough boundaries must obtain a city and borough business license, with annual fees varying by business type and gross receipts. Applications are available at the clerk's office or the city and borough website.
- The Alaska Business Entity Search is available at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/entities, providing free lookup of corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered business entities.
- This database includes business status, registered agent, formation date, and filing history.
- Zoning questions and land use permits are processed through the Planning Department at the same number.
- The Wrangell area Chamber of Commerce, located at the Nolan Center at 296 Campbell Drive, provides business support services and maintains a business directory at www.wrangellchamber.org.
Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA) are filed with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, not at the local level. Professional licenses including contractors, healthcare providers, and cosmetologists are issued by the State of Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. Sales tax does not exist in Alaska at the state level, though Wrangell City and City and Borough imposes a 7% sales tax on goods and services; businesses must register with the city and borough Finance Department for Building permits and inspections are handled by Wrangell City and City and Borough Public Works Department
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in the City and City and Borough of Wrangell are administered by Wrangell City and City and Borough City and Borough Clerk, who is the local election official. The office is located at 205 Brueger Street, Wrangell, AK 99929 Voter registration in Alaska is handled statewide through the Alaska Division of Elections. Residents may register online at https://voterregistration.alaska.gov/, by mail, or in person at the city and borough clerk's office. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election.
- Alaska participates in the National Voter Registration Act, allowing registration at DMV offices and public assistance agencies.
Voters can verify registration status and find their polling place at https://myvoterinformation.alaska.gov/. For Wrangell area residents, the primary polling location is typically the Wrangell area Public School or the Nolan Center, depending on the election. Absentee and by-mail voting is available to all Alaska voters without requiring an excuse.
Applications for absentee ballots can be submitted through the Division of Elections website or by contacting the city and borough clerk; applications must be received by the Saturday before Election Day for that election. Alaska statute AS 15.13.040 governs absentee voting procedures. Public election records include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted per AS 15.07.195), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) at http://aws.state.ak.us/ApocReports/CampaignDisclosure/, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results.
The 2024 general election saw typical Southeast Alaska turnout, generally ranging 60-70% of registered voters in Wrangell City and City and Borough for presidential elections and 40-50% for midterms, though exact figures vary. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Alaska gubernatorial and legislative elections, and potential ballot measures.
Wrangell City and City and Borough election results are posted on the Alaska Division of Elections website at https://www.elections.alaska.gov/results/ after polls close. Citizens may request precinct registers, ballot question petitions, and other election records under the Alaska Public Records Act by submitting written requests to the City and Borough Clerk, with fees for copying and research time applicable.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of the City and City and Borough of Wrangell has historically centered on natural resource extraction, particularly timber and commercial fishing. The closure of Wrangell sawmill in recent decades significantly impacted employment, shifting focus toward seafood processing, tourism, and government services. Major employers include the City and City and Borough of Wrangell itself, Wrangell City and City and Borough seat area Medical Center, and Wrangell City and City and Borough Public Schools.
- The seafood industry remains vital, with salmon, halibut, and shellfish harvesting supporting both commercial fishermen and processing facilities.
- The Alaska Marine Highway System provides essential transportation and connects Wrangell to regional markets.
- Economic development initiatives focus on sustainable fisheries, value-added seafood processing, renewable energy projects, and broadband infrastructure improvements to support remote work and diversification.
According to recent estimates, median household income in Wrangell City and City and Borough approximates $60,000-$65,000, somewhat below Alaska's statewide median but reflecting the rural character and cost-of-living variations. Unemployment rates fluctuate seasonally, typically ranging from 6-10%, with higher rates in winter months when fishing and tourism decline. Tourism has grown as an economic sector, with cruise ship visits, sport fishing charters, wildlife viewing at Anan Bear Observatory, and heritage tourism related to Tlingit culture and petroglyphs.
The U.S. Forest Service maintains a district office in Wrangell City and City and Borough seat area, managing Tongass National Forest lands and providing federal employment. Mining exploration occurs periodically in Wrangell City and City and Borough, though no major active mines currently operate within city and borough boundaries.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (CourtView) | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Request Required | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/VitalChek | Business: Yes: Online (State Entity Search) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10, Wrangell provides access to essential records, but property and arrest records require direct contact with city and borough offices rather than online portals.
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Cities & Towns in Wrangell City and Borough
Explore public records for 1 cities and communities in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska.