5 Critical Challenges Facing The Fairbanks Police Department In 2025: An Inside Look At FPD's Current Battle

The Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) is currently navigating one of its most challenging periods, grappling with severe staffing shortages, high-profile internal controversies, and the relentless demands of policing Alaska's Golden Heart City. As of December 2025, the department is under intense scrutiny, with its authorized strength of 51 personnel—including 48 sworn officers—being tested by both a challenging recruitment environment and significant legal action. The FPD's commitment to "Protect Our Way of Life" is being upheld against a backdrop of complex and evolving issues that directly impact public safety and community trust. The following analysis provides an in-depth look at the department's current structure, key leadership, and the critical issues dominating the headlines, offering a fresh, up-to-date perspective on the state of law enforcement in Fairbanks, Alaska. This information is crucial for residents and stakeholders seeking to understand the operational realities of the city's primary law enforcement agency, which has served the community since 1904.

Fairbanks Police Department Leadership and Organizational Profile (2025)

Understanding the FPD's current operational status begins with its leadership and core structure. The department, headquartered at 911 Cushman St., is responsible for patrolling a vast and often challenging geographic area, dealing with a diverse range of incidents from minor offenses to complex felony investigations.

• Agency Name: Fairbanks Police Department (FPD)
• Location: Fairbanks, Alaska (Fairbanks North Star Borough)
• Founded: 1904 (Began with Constable Pat Whaler)
• Current Chief of Police: Ron Dupee
• Deputy Chief of Police: Richard Sweet
• Authorized Strength: 51 total personnel
• Sworn Officers: 48
• Civilian Support Personnel: 3
• Historical Context: The first Chief of Police was Edgar Wickersham, and the department tragically lost Chief Alvin G. Miller in the line of duty in 1908.

Chief Ron Dupee and Deputy Chief Richard Sweet are tasked with steering the department through its contemporary challenges, balancing the need for proactive policing with the necessity of rebuilding public confidence and maintaining morale among the ranks.

The FPD's Internal Crisis: Lawsuits and Recruitment Woes

The most pressing and widely reported issues facing the Fairbanks Police Department in 2025 are its internal climate and severe staffing difficulties, which are interconnected and threaten to strain the department's ability to maintain full service.

1. High-Profile Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Lawsuit

In a major development that has rocked the department, a 17-year veteran officer resigned in late 2024/early 2025 and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the City of Fairbanks. The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment and retaliation within the department, casting a shadow over the FPD's internal culture. This type of legal action inevitably draws public attention and can significantly impact the morale of existing officers, making the already difficult task of recruitment even harder. The outcome of this lawsuit will be a defining moment for the department's leadership and its commitment to a professional and equitable working environment.

2. The Struggle to Fill Vacancies and Maintain Strength

The FPD is facing significant recruitment challenges, a problem amplified by the city’s difficulty in filling positions across various departments. The authorized strength of 48 sworn officers is a target the department is struggling to meet, leading to a potential situation where the FPD is "on the verge of operating at true minimum strength." A recent job posting for a DUI/Traffic Unit Officer, last updated in October 2025, highlights the ongoing need for specialized personnel. A lack of officers directly impacts the department's ability to engage in community policing, conduct thorough investigations, and maintain rapid response times, placing a greater burden on the existing force. Addressing these recruitment challenges is paramount to the long-term stability and effectiveness of the FPD.

Fairbanks Crime Landscape and Recent Police Activity (2025)

Despite the internal challenges, the FPD remains highly active in its core mission of law enforcement, with recent bulletins providing a snapshot of the types of crime dominating the city in late 2025.

3. The Current Crime Score and Public Safety Concerns

Fairbanks' overall crime landscape is frequently analyzed, with the city receiving a Crime Score of B- in 2025. While this score is not definitive, it indicates persistent public safety concerns that require a robust and fully staffed police presence. The FPD's efforts are central to managing and hopefully lowering the crime rates in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

4. A Surge in Property and Domestic-Related Incidents

Recent police activity reports from the FPD show a consistent pattern of specific crime types dominating the caseload:

• Identity Theft and Larceny: In September 2025, the FPD received a report of identity theft at its own station (911 Cushman St.), underscoring the prevalence of this type of white-collar crime. Other larceny incidents, such as those targeting businesses, are also regularly reported.
• Assault and DVPO Violations: Assaults, often categorized as "Simple/other," are a recurring issue. In September 2025, officers forwarded a charge of a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) violation to the District Attorney’s Office, indicating the ongoing need to address domestic-related incidents. An assault in progress was also reported in the 200 block of Minne St. in August 2025.
• Warrant Arrests: A significant portion of FPD activity involves tracking and arresting individuals with outstanding warrants, such as an incident reported in October 2025 on Dunkel St.

These recent police activity bulletins—from August, September, and October 2025—demonstrate the daily grind of law enforcement in Fairbanks, where officers are continually responding to a mix of property crimes, interpersonal violence, and warrant enforcement.

The Path Forward: Community Connection and Transparency

The FPD recognizes the importance of keeping the public informed of all activity happening in and around town, which is why they prioritize providing access to recent police activity bulletins. This commitment to transparency is a crucial tool for maintaining community trust, especially during periods of internal and external pressure.

5. The Need for Sustained Community Engagement

To overcome its current challenges, the Fairbanks Police Department must double down on community engagement. Successfully addressing the recruitment crisis requires not only competitive compensation but also a positive public image and strong local support. The department's official website serves as a vital resource for citizens looking to connect with the FPD, whether to report a crime, get information, or explore opportunities to serve the community. The FPD’s long history, dating back to 1904, provides a foundation of institutional knowledge that must be leveraged to build a more resilient, transparent, and fully staffed department for the future of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Detail Author:

• Name : Marie Trantow
• Username : dstark
• Email : gus.oconner@gmail.com
• Birthdate : 1976-09-20
• Address : 2852 Zboncak Mountains Suite 485 Nikolausbury, CT 27395
• Phone : (803) 360-2712
• Company : Jacobs, Morar and Boehm
• Job : Skin Care Specialist
• Bio : Magni qui aspernatur aut et enim et nemo. Sint blanditiis quam nihil nesciunt expedita autem. Minima tenetur eos eveniet voluptas facere omnis.

Socials

linkedin:

• url : https://linkedin.com/in/ebba.senger
• username : ebba.senger
• bio : Sunt quisquam doloremque et nisi beatae.
• followers : 3036
• following : 588

instagram:

• url : https://instagram.com/ebba_senger
• username : ebba_senger
• bio : Maiores fugit sed ea sed et porro. Deleniti voluptate tempore in corporis.
• followers : 2106
• following : 788

twitter:

• url : https://twitter.com/ebbasenger
• username : ebbasenger
• bio : Vitae et eveniet qui non tenetur reiciendis. Amet deleniti consequatur minus dolor dignissimos molestias. Voluptas minima soluta quia omnis quos.
• followers : 429
• following : 1398