City approves settlement in WPD gang list database

The Wichita City Council approved a $625 thousand settlement in a lawsuit filed against the city for the Police department's gang list database.

The plaintiffs alleged the city was violating their 1st and 14th amendment rights by maintaining the database, used to combat street gang activity.

The settlement narrows and clarifies the criteria WPD can use to place a person on the list. The settlement also allows WPD to move forward with improvements and will increase oversight on the process.

Members of the public will also be able to check to see if they are included in the database and will have a chance to appeal if they believe the information to be incorrect.

In addition, a special master will be engaged for a three-year period at an estimated total cost to the city of $75,000.