Ombudsman Kate Burkhart has released a public summary of the investigation of a complaint that correctional officers used excessive force on three inmates at Anchorage Correctional Complex. In November, 2017, an inmate contacted the Ombudsman to report that he had, that morning, been inappropriately sprayed with oleoresin capsicum (OC or pepper spray) by a group of correctional officers. After an extensive investigation, the Ombudsman found the complaint justified and made 11 recommendations to resolve the deficiencies identified by the investigation.
Ombudsman Report on Investigation of COVID Complaints at DOC
The Ombudsman has released the public summary of her investigation of two complaints received in the fall of 2020 about how the Department of Corrections (DOC) was screening and quarantining people at Lemon Creek Correctional Center. The Ombudsman investigated 4 allegations, and found 2 supported by the evidence. DOC resolved one allegation during the investigation, and the Ombudsman made an additional recommendation related to screening for symptoms of COVID-19.
Ombudsman Releases Report on Investigation of OCS Complaint
Ombudsman Kate Burkhart has released a public report of the investigation of a complaint that the Office of Children’s Services improperly cancelled a relative adoption and pursued a change in foster placement.
The Ombudsman investigated three allegations, and found all three justified. She made two recommendations to OCS to prevent similar complaints. OCS committed to three additional actions to improve operations. Learn more and read the report.
Ombuds Day 2021
October 14 is National Ombuds Day!! This is a day to raise awareness about the ombudsman profession and how ombudsmen help people resolve conflict.
Check out our new Ombuds Day video to learn how we help Alaskans.
See more videos from the Alaska State Ombudsman on our YouTube Channel.
OMBUDS DAY, October 14
October 14 is the 4th annual celebration of Ombuds Day, created by the American Bar Association to highlight the many ways ombudsmen help resolve problems and conflict. Learn more about Ombuds Day.
We celebrate Ombuds Day all month, expanding our outreach in October so that all Alaskans know how we can help solve problems with state government, direct people to resources for other kinds of problems, and provide technical assistance to promote fair, efficient, and effective government.
To kick off our month of outreach, Ombudsman Kate Burkhart joined her colleagues Kristie Hirschman, Iowa Ombudsman, and Ken Skodacek, Chair of the Ombuds Day Committee, on the ABA Resolutions Podcast, to talk about the ombuds profession. Listen now.
Stay tuned all month for more resources and information about the Alaska State Ombudsman and the ombuds profession.
Ombudsman Offices Reopen by Appointment July 1
We are reopening our offices and beginning to offer outreach in communities where the COVID-19 risk/alert level is LOW. Beginning July 1, you can schedule an appointment to meet in-person with our Intake Team to make a complaint. Call 907-269-5290.
Ombudsman Offices Closed June 22-23
Our offices are closed June 22-23, 2021 for annual staff development. Complaints can still be made during this time using the confidential and secure online complaint portal, mail, or email. Our Intake Team will be available by phone again on Thursday, June 24.
2020 Annual Report
The Alaska Ombudsman has published the 2020 Annual Report. Read about how we maintained operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the types of complaints we received and investigated, and how complaints were resolved in our latest digital report.
We continue to publish reports digitally, to save money, paper, and space. If you would like to request a printed copy, please email us at ombudsman@akleg.gov.
Working on a Re-opening Plan
Wondering when you can visit our offices again?
We are reviewing new guidance from the CDC for people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, the Legislative Affairs Agency, and our communities. We are also monitoring the vaccination rates and COVID-19 transmission rates in the communities where we have offices.
We are working on a plan for re-opening our offices to the public that protects the health and wellness of our visitors and staff. We will share that plan on July 1, 2021.
Until then, you can make a complaint any time through our online complaint portal, by mail using our complaint form, or by calling our Intake Team at 907-269-5290 Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
New Alaska Ombudsman YouTube Channel
Our goal is to provide information in ways that are easy to access and understand, so we now have ombudsman video outreach available on YouTube:
Subscribe to the Alaska State Ombudsman channel, and share your ideas for future ombudsman outreach videos.