Anchorage Mayor-elect Suzanne LaFrance on Tuesday said Deputy Chief Sean Case will lead the city’s police department beginning next week.
LaFrance’s new police chief appointment comes about 2 1/2 months after Mayor Dave Bronson named Bianca Cross as chief. She was the first woman to hold the position in the city’s history, the Anchorage Daily News reports. The incoming mayor did not keep Cross in her position.
LaFrance, in a statement, said Case brings extensive leadership and a “deep understanding of policing policies.” He’s been with APD for nearly 24 years.
In an interview Tuesday, Case said he believes homelessness, violent crime and adapting to body cameras are some of the biggest challenges currently facing the department.