The Juneau Police Department and other law enforcement agencies say they are prepared for the possibility of political violence at the Capitol building on the day of the presidential inauguration. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

The Juneau Police Department and other law enforcement agencies say they are prepared for the possibility of political violence at the Capitol building on the day of the presidential inauguration. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

No known threats of violence, but police say they’re prepared

“The Juneau Police Department and our partners have not received any specific threats,” the agency said.

As the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden approaches, the Juneau Police Department says it’s ready to deal with the possibility of violence at the Capitol.

“The Juneau Police Department and our law enforcement partners would like to address community concerns from last week’s violent activity at the U.S. Capitol and subsequent warnings states will see possible demonstrations at their respective capitols,” said JPD Lt. Krag Campbell in a news release. “The Juneau Police Department and our partners have not received any specific threats, and as the nation approaches the presidential inauguration on January 20, we will be maintaining a heightened posture to ensure the safety of our community.”

[Fundraising goal met for Treadwell Ditch Trail improvements]

The JPD emphasized its relations with other law enforcement partners, including the FBI and Alaska Department of Public Safety, in keeping Alaskans safe and preventing the sullying of the inauguration with violence.

“If you have information about potential violence or criminal acts in Juneau, please call the Juneau Police Department Dispatch Center at 907-586-0600,” Campbell said. “We would also like to remind our community to exercise caution and attempt to verify information through appropriate official channels before potentially spreading misinformation.”

The DPS also issued a statement affirming its commitment to safety from violent action against the community.

“We understand that there is concern for public safety; as such, the Department of Public Safety is in close communications with our law enforcement partner agencies and, if necessary, will take appropriate response actions to any potential credible threats. At this time, no credible threats have been found.

Legislative Affairs Director Jessica Geary said in a memo that there would be reinforced security in place on Jan. 20. The JPD also said the Capitol building would be added to the downtown patrol route.

• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 17

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree reaches Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to much celebration. (U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree photo)
Santa’s truck-driving helpers are east bound and down to Washington, DC

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree completes multiweek cross-country journey from Wrangell.

The Palmer project would sit in the watershed of the Chilkat River, pictured here. (Scott McMurren/Flickr under Creative Commons license 2.0)
Japanese smelting giant pulls out of major Southeast Alaska mining project

Palmer development, above the salmon-bearing Chilkat River, has for years fueled political divisions.

Juneau Police Department cars are parked outside the downtown branch station on Thursday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
JPD’s daily incident reports getting thinner and vaguer. Why and does it matter?

Average of 5.12 daily incidents in October down from 10.74 a decade ago; details also far fewer.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The Douglas Island Breeze In on Wednesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
New owner seeks to transfer Douglas Island Breeze In’s retail alcohol license to Foodland IGA

Transfer would allow company to take over space next to supermarket occupied by Kenny’s Liquor Market.

A butter clam. Butter clams are found from the Aleutian Islands to the California coast. They are known to retain algal toxins longer than other species of shellfish. (Photo provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Among butter clams, which pose toxin dangers to Alaska harvesters, size matters, study indicates

Higher concentrations found in bigger specimens, UAS researchers find of clams on beaches near Juneau.

Most Read