WICHITA, Kansas (KSNW) – A federal judge has approved a $625,000 settlement in connection with the Wichita Police Department’s gang list.
Officials say the settlement, approved by the Wichita City Council in April 2024, means the city will have to pay $625,000 and more than 3,500 names will be removed from the gang list over the next 90 days.
The ACLU, Kansas Appleseed and Progeny filed suit because they believed the WPD’s gang list unfairly targeted people of color.
The agreement allows the WPD to maintain the gang list and set the criteria for placing a person on that list. The WPD must also develop a method for the public to verify whether someone is on the list and give the person a chance to appeal if they believe the list is incorrect.
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The city of Wichita denied the allegations in the lawsuit and said in a statement that the settlement resolved both parties’ disputed claims.
“The settlement in this litigation was reached after months of negotiations between the parties,” the city’s statement said. “The City denies the allegations contained in the lawsuit. The settlement was entered into to resolve the disputed claims asserted by both parties. In accordance with the settlement agreement, the City has begun an internal review/audit of the gang list, revised its internal gang policy, and is establishing a system that will allow individuals to not only obtain additional information regarding their gang status, but also contest it in certain situations. The City will work with the court-appointed Special Counsel and Ombudsman to ensure that the terms of the settlement are followed.”
As part of the settlement, a special investigator will be hired for three years for $75,000. $550,000 will be used for the plaintiff’s legal fees and costs.
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