Pam Varni, Executive Director LAA Phone: (907) 465-3800 Fax: (907) 465-3234 Send E-Mail

Branchflower to Head Victim’s Rights Office
Anchorage Prosecutor is Alaska's First Crime Victims' Advocate

(JUNEAU) - The Alaska State Legislature has appointed longtime Anchorage prosecutor Stephen Branchflower to become Alaska's first crime victim's advocate, heading up the recently created Office of Crime Victim's Rights.

Branchflower, who had served as state prosecutor in Anchorage for 28 years, was unanimously confirmed to the appointment in a joint meeting of the Alaska House and Senate on May 13. He will assume his new duties on July 8, Pam Varni, executive director of the state Legislative Affairs Agency, said.

Branchflower was nominated from a field of 10 applicants by a bipartisan victims' advocate selection committee, which was composed of Speaker of the House Brian Porter (R-Anchorage), Senate President Rick Halford (R-Chugiak), Sen. Dave Donley (R-Anchorage), Sen. Donny Olson (D-Nome), Rep. Pete Kott (R-Eagle River), and Rep. Reggie Joule (D-Kotzebue).

The Office of the Crime Victim's Advocate was established by the Legislature in 2001 as an independent office of the Legislature responsible for ensuring that crime victims enjoy all the rights granted to them under the state Constitution and state law in their dealings with state legal and judicial offices. The office will be based in Anchorage, but have statewide jurisdiction.

In his new position, Branchflower will be responsible for advocating in court on behalf of crime victims of felony offenses or class A misdemeanors involving domestic violence or assault. He will also act as a liaison between state agencies and crime victims, advocate on behalf of victims and investigate and report on victims' complaints that agencies have not fulfilled their duties under the state constitution and laws.

Branchflower and his staff will have broad investigative tools, including the power to hold hearings and to subpoena witnesses and records, and to ask the Superior Court to hold anyone who defies such subpoenas in contempt of court.

Branchflower will also have access to the records of justice agencies, including court records of criminal prosecutions and juvenile adjudications. He may issue reports critical of criminal justice agencies and may make recommendations to the governor, the Legislature, a grand jury and the public.

The victim's advocate's term lasts five years. The advocate may be reappointed but may not serve more than three terms. The Crime Victim's Advocate law goes into effect July 1, 2002.

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