JUNEAU POLICE DEPARTMENT
6255 ALAWAY AVENUE JUNEAU, ALASKA 99801
Business (907) 586-0600
Fax (907) 463-4808
Integrity, Courage, Service, Respect
INFORMATION RELEASE
Date: 10-12-16
From: Erann Kalwara - JPD PIO
Case or Incident: #
Subjects dressed in clown costumes deliberately frightening, enticing or assaulting children and adults have been reported across the U.S. and internationally. There isn?t anything illegal about dressing as a clown; however it may cause uproar or unintended consequences.
The Juneau Police Department has become aware of some public alarm over recent sightings of clowns in the Juneau area. No reports have been made to JPD about clown sightings or suspicious behavior on the clowns? part, and we are asking the public?s help in a couple of ways.
The first way you can help is to call 586-0600 if you see someone dressed as a clown acting in a manner that seems suspicious. If they are behaving aggressively or make a threat toward a person, calling 9-1-1 would be appropriate.
The second way you can help is evaluate the actual behavior presented to you before responding to the presence of clowns. A clown lurking in the woods is certainly unusual but may not be a direct threat. Please call JPD before engaging with anyone, whether in a costume or not, that you believe to be a threat to you.
All factual allegations contained in this release are based upon preliminary investigation and are subject to change or clarification as the investigation continues. Any charges reported in this release are merely accusations and all persons named in this release are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.