Federal judge approves settlement over WPD gang list

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A federal judge has approved a $625,000 settlement over the Wichita Police Department’s gang list.

Representatives say the settlement, approved by the Wichita City Council in April 2024, means the City has to pay $625,000, and more than 3,500 names will be removed from the gang list in the next 90 days.

The ACLU, Kansas Appleseed, and Progeny brought the lawsuit, saying the WPD gang list wrongly targeted people of color.

The settlement will let the WPD keep the gang list, and clarify the criteria for putting someone on it. The WPD will also have to create a method for the public to check if they are on the list, and will allow the person to appeal if they believe it is incorrect.

The City of Wichita denied the allegations in the lawsuit and said in a statement that the settlement resolved contested claims by both parties.

“The settlement of this lawsuit was arrived at following months of negotiations between the parties,” the city’s statement said. “The city denies the allegations contained in the lawsuit. The settlement was reached to resolve contested claims asserted by both parties. In compliance with the settlement agreement, the City has started its internal review/audit of the gang list, revised its internal gang policy and is establishing a system for individuals to not only get additional information regarding their gang status, but to challenge it in certain situations. The city will work with the Special Master and Ombudsman appointed by the court to ensure that the terms of the settlement are complied with.”

As part of the settlement, a special master will be engaged for three years for $75,000. $550,000 will go toward attorney’s fees and costs for the plaintiff.

Marqueta Atkins-Woods is the founder of Destination Innovation. On Friday, she called the judge’s decision a win for the community.

“Oh, this is a huge day and I think what makes it so special is that youth were the catalyst for this policy change,” said Atkins-Woods. “Sometimes young people can be listed on this gang list and if they are on probation right now it can impact them coming together to do positive things because it could be seen as a probation violation them being around each other.”

Brandon Johnson, a Wichita city council member, said on Friday this is about the community having trust in the policies of WPD.

“I agree with others in the community, this is a good first step,” said Johnson. “There’s more work that should be done. I know the community always looks at accountability.”

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