A federal judge has approved a settlement agreement in a class-action lawsuit against the Wichita Police Department over its controversial “gang list” targeting young Black and Latino residents. The lawsuit, brought by the ACLU of Kansas and Kansas Appleseed on behalf of Progeny, alleges constitutional violations and led to a $625,000 settlement paid by the city for litigation costs. The settlement requires the police department to overhaul its criteria for adding individuals to the list, remove all gang associates and inactive members, notify individuals if they are added to the list, and create an appeals process to challenge the inclusion. A new ombudsman position will oversee the process, and a Johnson County judge will ensure compliance over the next three years.
Under the previous policy, individuals on the list faced harsher penalties, regardless of criminal activity, leading to systemic discrimination. The city plans to create a public database for individuals to check if they are on the gang list. The settlement is seen as a victory for youth-led activism, as Progeny’s executive director noted that young plaintiffs played a crucial role in instigating policy change. The settlement is intended to protect constitutional rights while allowing law enforcement to conduct effective investigations for public safety.
The overhaul of the gang list policy is a significant step towards addressing systemic discrimination in Wichita, where the majority of individuals on the list were Black and Latino residents. The revised policy aims to rectify past injustices and ensure fair treatment for all residents, reflecting a positive step towards community-driven change.
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