Crime is on the decline in Alaska, thanks in part to the revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. One year ago, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the revitalization of PSN, a proven program aimed at reducing violent crime.
Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. In Alaska, law enforcement agencies have a long history and tradition of working together to protect the people of the state.
“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs.”
One notable case that highlights the success of PSN in Alaska is the racketeering and kidnapping ring led by Macauther Vaifanua. In September 2018, five Anchorage residents, including Vaifanua, were indicted on federal kidnapping and drug trafficking charges in connection with the August 2017 beating and placing of a victim into a dog kennel.
Other notable cases include the sentencing of Michael Sampo to 12 years in federal prison for carjacking in Anchorage, and Matthew Scharber to a life term in prison for kidnapping, carjacking, and shooting two individuals. Shane Twigg and Myles Conangnan face mandatory minimum sentences of 32 years in federal prison for their roles in a coffee stand robbery.
“In Alaska, law enforcement agencies have a long history and tradition of working together to protect the people of the state,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder. “Under Project Safe Neighborhoods, we are leveraging that cooperation to identify the most serious violent crime problems and offenders, then focus our operations.
As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, we are proud of the progress made in making our communities safer. With continued cooperation and commitment, we are confident that PSN will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities.
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Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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