ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Enforcement of Anchorage’s new camping ban, making it a misdemeanor crime to camp in some public spaces, went into effect in late July, according to APD Lt. Brian Fuchs. Fuchs said so far there have been no arrests or citations, instead, he said, police are trying to educate people about the new law.
“Getting out in the community, talking with folks who are unsheltered or camping in the city, making sure they understand that the new ordinance exists,” Fuchs said.
Among other things, the ordinance prohibits camping within several hundred feet of streets, trails, schools and playgrounds. It’s punishable with a maximum $500 fine or even jail time. But Fuchs said taking someone to jail would be considered a last resort…