In the wake of a landmark settlement that could remove thousands from Wichita’s controversial police gang database, local organizations are stepping up to help residents navigate the newly created appeals process.
Destination Innovation Inc.’s youth advocacy program Progeny, alongside the ACLU of Kansas and Kansas Appleseed, will host their second Gang List Info Session on Dec. 7 at the Build and Rebuild Education Center, 1751 N. Ash. The free event runs 1-3 p.m. and will provide legal information, notary services, and assistance with appeal forms.
The session comes after an August settlement that mandated sweeping changes to a police practice that disproportionately targeted Black and Latino residents. Under previous policies, people could be added to the gang list for wearing certain colors, visiting specific businesses, or attending family gatherings – often without their knowledge.
Being on the list carries serious consequences. Listed individuals face increased police surveillance, minimum $50,000 bail amounts if charged with crimes, and potential discrimination in employment due to background checks showing gang affiliation.
City data revealed stark racial disparities in the list’s composition. Black residents made up 60% of the list while comprising only 10.9% of Wichita’s population. Latino residents represented 25% of those listed despite being 17.2% of the population. White residents, who make up 62.8% of Wichita’s population, were only 6% of those listed.
The settlement created new rights for those on the list, including notification of their status and an appeals process – resources that will be explained at the December session.
The police department’s revised policy, which took effect in August, could remove about two-thirds of the 5,500 people currently on the list. The changes include stricter criteria for adding someone to the list and the removal of all gang associates and inactive gang members.
Wichita Gang List Info Session
Build and Rebuild Education Center
1751 N. Ash, Wichita
Dec. 7 at 1 – 3 p.m.
Free
Very informative and important! Thanks to The Voice for being on top of this. Great work!!