Public Safety Assessment Report

REPORT

Assessment of Public Safety by Russell Consulting, LLC

The City of Unalaska is committed to providing professional public safety services to our community. In order to better understand strengths and weaknesses of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and to obtain guidance on potential improvements, the City of Unalaska contracted with Russell Consulting, LLC in the spring to conduct an independent assessment of the department.  Russell Consulting’s final report has been delivered and is being made available to the public (attached at bottom of page).

The assessment was similar to that which an agency undergoes when applying for accreditation, and included onsite evaluations; policy and records reviews; and interviews with paid and volunteer staff, community members, business leaders and elected officials. The results of the assessment will help ensure that DPS continues to adhere to industry standards and best practices, and will be beneficial should the Department choose to seek accreditation in the future.

Interim City Manager, Nancy Peterson, says, “The goal of the review is to improve the efficiency and professionalism of the Unalaska Department of Public Safety Police Department, thereby enhancing its ability to serve the citizens and guests of the City of Unalaska.  Recommendations for improvements have already been implemented and others are being planned, demonstrating the Department’s commitment to utilize this evaluation to improve operations. This report acknowledges the effective operations of the department and the professionalism of Unalaska’s Department of Public Safety staff and volunteers, as well as their ongoing commitment to public service.” 

DPS is pleased with the results of the assessment, and would like to thank staff for their candid comments and their participation in an anonymous survey; and the community for their participation in and support for this endeavor. Achieving an objective, knowledgeable review of DPS would not have been possible without substantial input from user groups across the community.