Wichita Police Department: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox law enforcement agency |
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| agencyname = Wichita Police Department |
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| abbreviation = WPD |
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| patch = Wichita Police.jpg |
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| employees = 862<ref>[http://www.wichita.gov/Government/Departments/WPD/Pages/default.aspx Wichita Police site]</ref> |
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| volunteers = |
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| country = United States of America |
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| countryabbr = USA |
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| national = |
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| international = |
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| divtype = State |
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| divname = Kansas |
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| subdivtype = City |
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| subdivname = Wichita |
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| map = Sedgwick County Kansas Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Wichita Highlighted.svg |
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| mapcaption = |
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| sizearea = {{convert|138.9|sqmi|km2}} |
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| sizepopulation = 397,532 (2020)<ref name=PopEstBigCities>{{cite web | url = https://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2007-01.csv | title = Table 1: Annual Estimates of the Population for Incorporated Places Over 100,000, Ranked by July 1, 2007 Population: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007 | format = [[comma-separated values|CSV]] | work = 2007 Population Estimates | publisher = [[United States Census Bureau]], Population Division | date = 2008-07-10 | accessdate = 2008-07-10 }}</ref> |
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| police = Yes |
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| local = Yes |
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| headquarters = 455 N Main Street, [[Wichita, Kansas]] |
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| minister1name = |
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| minister1pfo = |
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| chief1name = Joseph Sullivan |
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| chief1position = [[Chief of Police]] |
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| vehicle1type = Chevy Tahoe PI |
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| vehicle2type = Ford Interceptor Utility |
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| vehicle3type = Ford Crown Victoria PI |
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| website = [http://www.wichita.gov/WPD/Pages/default.aspx Wichita Police] |
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| footnotes = |
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}} |
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The '''Wichita Police Department''' ('''WPD''') is the primary law enforcement agency serving [[Wichita, Kansas]]. Wichita Police Department’s jurisdiction overlaps with the [[Sedgwick County Sheriff's office]]. |
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==History== |
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The Wichita Police Department was created on April 13, 1871. A notable figure in the Department’s history was O.W. Wilson, who was considered an innovative police reformer. Wilson was credited with starting the Criminal Justice Program at Wichita State University, previously called the Municipal University of Wichita in 1937. O.W. Wilson was a protegee of Chief August Vollmer and later became the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.<ref>The Wichita Police Department: First Century, January 1, 1997</ref> |
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Another well known historical figure was Wyatt Earp, later known for his role in the shootout at the OK Corral. He was hired by then City Marshal Mike Meager as a police officer in Wichita on April 21, 1875 and fired on April 19, 1876. He then moved to Dodge City. <ref>The Wichita Eagle Newspaper, January 21, 1978</ref> |
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On September 15, 1978, eighty-four (84) members of the police department turned in their badges and identification cards and went on strike to support the Wichita Fire Department, who were already on strike. The FOP cited pay and overtime compensation as the main reason for the strike, along with their inability to obtain a new union contract. Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon fired 84 striking police officers, which grew to 122 officers by the end of the strike.<ref>Wichita Eagle Newspaper, September 15, 1978</ref> Although the Police Chief said he would not hire the officers back, he eventually rehired most of the officers, but forced them to reapply for their jobs. <ref>Wichita Eagle Newspaper, September 21, 1978</ref> |
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In 1977 Chief Richard LaMunyon announced plans to implement Neighborhood Team Policing in Wichita beginning July 1, 1978.<ref>Wichita Eagle Newspaper, September 20, 1970</ref> In June, 1978 the Police Department's structure was changed to accommodate Team Policing. A Captain commanded 31 officers, six Lieutenants, and detectives who all will work as a team in a geographic area to address crime.<ref>Wichita Eagle Newspaper, June 4, 1978</ref> In 1983 Chief Richard LaMunyon announced the restructuring of the Department but retained the team concept. The original six (6) patrol sectors were consolidated into four (4) patrol sectors. Chief LaMunyon cited the lack of budget and manpower as a driving force behind the restructuring. Team Policing in its original structure was discontinued. <ref>Wichita Eagle Newspaper, October 19, 1983</ref> |
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== '''Wichita Police Department''' == |
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Chief Richard LaMunyon is nationally known for his role in starting the Law Enforcement Torch Run as part of Special Olympics. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 by Chief LaMunyon in the Wichita Police Department and in 1983 the International Association of Chiefs of Police officially adopted the Torch Run. Many of the original participants in the Torch Run were later inducted as Hall of Fame members by Special Olympics.<ref>Specialolympics.org</ref> |
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In the [[Herman Hill riot]] of 1979, 88 people were arrested and at least 51 were injured. |
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The Wichita Police Department (WPD) is the primary law enforcement agency serving the City of Wichita, Kansas, United States. WPD’s jurisdiction overlaps with the Sedgewick County Sheriffs office.The WPD is housed at the City Hall building located at 455 N Main, Wichita, Kansas. |
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In 1993, Deputy Chief Mike Watson proposed the Police Department implement community policing in specific high-crime targeted areas as a precursor to adopting a city-wide implementation strategy. In 1994 two supervisors, Stephen Cole, and Thomas Stolz, were selected to lead the initiative. They selected 15 staff members trained to work with diverse populations, mediate neighborhood disputes, problem-solve, and use community resources. The officers were relieved of 911 call responsibility and focused on developing partnerships with the community while solving neighborhood problems.<ref>Wichita Eagle Newspaper, July 18, 1993</ref> In March 1996, the Police Department expanded community policing to cover the entire city and assigned 36 officers, each assigned to a beat, to community policing. <ref>Wichita Eagle Newspaper, March 10, 1996</ref> |
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According to WPD’s website,[http://www.wichita.gov/CityOffices/Police/WPD+Mission+Statement.htm] “The Wichita Police Department’s mission is to provide professional and ethical public safety services in partnership with citizens to identify, prevent and solve the problems of crime, fear of crime, social disorder and neighborhood decay, thereby improving the quality of life in our community. “ |
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In 1996 the Wichita Police Department received the Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award presented by the International Association of Chiefs of Police for a community project aimed at reducing prostitution in South Central Wichita. Traditional law enforcement activities such as prostitution stings only provided short-term relief to the community. In 1994 the Wichita Police Department adopted and implemented a philosophy of community policing in four targeted high-crime neighborhoods, which included the South Central neighborhood. The Wichita Police Department addressed the crime issues using a strategic enforcement plan and proposed two new city ordinances to combat crime in the area. An evaluation of the South Central Prostitution Project indicated that crime decreased in the area. Weapon violations and prostitution offenses declined dramatically. The neighborhood recorded an 11 percent decrease in crime for 1995 compared to 1994, with even more significant decreases observed in property crimes. <ref name=WEagle961996>Wichita Eagle Newspaper, September 6, 1996</ref> |
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The current Chief of Police is Norman D. Williams, appointed April 14, 2000. Williams is the first African-American ever appointed Chief of Police in Wichita’s history. Chief Williams has implemented a comprehensive traffic safety plan, has created a victims assistance unit and a neighborhood based traffic section are notable improvements during his tenure. |
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In 2001 the Wichita Police Department received recognition as a top 30 semifinalist for the Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award from the International Association of Chiefs. The Police Department restructured the Investigations Division to transition the Investigations Division to Community Policing. Results from the project indicate that clearance rates for homicide improved, and three cold cases were also solved during the year. Robbery clearances improved from 39% to 48%, aggravated assault clearances improved 11 percent, and rape clearance skyrocketed from 78% to 98%. Overall violent crime clearance rates improved from 52% to 60% between 1998 and 1999. <ref>Wichita Eagle Newspaper, May 2, 2001</ref> |
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The original town of Wichita was incorporated in July 1870 and was elevated to City status in April 1871. The Wichita Police Department was officially created on April 13, 1871. Wyatt Earp was a documented notable Police officer in WPD history in 1875.[[Wyatt Earp]] |
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In 2003 the Wichita Police Department again received national recognition by receiving the Webber Seavey Award for Best Policing project in 2002 for a midsized City. The Police Department was recognized for the Plainview Project, which addressed juvenile crime. Officers organized a soccer league and a summer camp for children from kindergarten through 8th grade. Juvenile crime, including auto theft and vandalism, fell 32 percent from 2001 to 2002. <ref>Wichita Eagle Newspaper, October 21, 2003</ref> |
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The Wichita Police Department participated in a Stop Study in 2001 in conjuction with Brian Withrow,Ph.D, Wichita State University to evaluate if WPD officers show differential patterns of enforcement based on race or ethnicity. The report was released in 2002 did not substantiate any evidence of racial or ethnic profiling by the officers of the WPD.[http://www.wichita.gov/NR/rdonlyres/47531C06-02EB-453D-81A7-1F64BCD6FA20/0/RacialProfilingStopStudy112002.pdf] |
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The WPD made national news for the killing spree of [[Dennis Rader]], also known as the BTK serial killer, from 1974 to 1978. He was arrested and convicted in 2005.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110727021159/http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_arch&article_id=1065&issue_id=122006 Police Chief Magazine]</ref> A tissue sample from his daughter was used to confirm DNA tests that linked Rader to ten killings committed between 1974 and 1991. Homicide Unit Commander Ken Landwehr was the department's expert on the BTK killer case, so the Wichita Police Department's Chief of Police Norman D. Williams assigned Landwehr to head the BTK Task Force in 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nleomf.org/TheFund/programs/OOM/landwehr_mar06.htm |title=National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund |access-date=2007-08-12 |archive-date=2007-08-12 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070812020427/http://www.nleomf.org/TheFund/programs/OOM/landwehr_mar06.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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A memorial was originally erected on McLean Blvd. to honor all local Sedgewick County law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty which was subsequently eliminated as traffic patterns were changed. A Law Enforcement Memorial Committee is actively working to build another memorial which will be located on the corner of Central and Main in 2008 that will honor all local officers who lost their lives. |
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The Officer Down Memorial Page,inc has listed the total line of duty deaths as 19 for the WPD.[http://www.odmp.org/agency.php?agencyid=4238] |
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The Wichita Police Department, in conjunction with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, filed the very first Federal Racketeering case in Kansas history on September 28, 2007. Two indictments name 28 defendants - all Crips Gang members - citing 4 murders, 11 attempted murders, and other crimes including arson, robbery, cocaine, and crack cocaine possession with intent to distribute and transportation of minors to engage in prostitution. According to the indictment,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071225134631/http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/ks/press/Sept07/09_28a.html USDOJ]</ref> the Crips formed a criminal enterprise engaging in illegal activities including narcotics trafficking, drive-by shootings, and burglaries; sought to preserve and expand their power through intimidation, threats and assaults; attempted to preserve and protect themselves from interference by law enforcement; and tried to keep their victims in fear through violence and threats.<ref>[http://axcessnews.com/index.php/articles/show/id/12587 Article] by Axcess News {{Dead link|date=April 2023|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |
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== '''Organization''' == |
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The [[2017 Wichita swatting]] that resulted in Wichita resident Andrew Finch being fatally shot by WPD Officer Justin Rapp. |
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In 2021 and 2022, the WPD received national attention for its lack of action in handling racism and extremism on the force. Department managers failed to appropriately discipline Wichita Police Department members who exchanged racist, sexist and homophobic texts and images. A city report stated the police force mismanaged investigation of the incidents. A committee appointed by Wichita City Manager Robert Layton said the department must "crack down on biased police officers, poor leadership, botched investigations and poor oversight."<ref>{{cite news|work=Associated Press|title=Committee criticizes Wichita police misconduct, racism|date=April 21, 2022|url=https://apnews.com/article/business-police-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-kansas-ca6b7331d7e02ecfc3260a792f1d4a66}}</ref> |
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== '''Investigation Division''' == |
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The investigation division consists of the following departments: |
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Also in 2021, Chief Lemuel Moore received national attention for disciplining members of the department who had sent extremist and racist messages. Moore has criticized an investigation under his predecessor, Gordon Ramsay, that cleared most of the officers of any wrongdoing in racist messaging and ordered “non-discipline” coaching and mentoring for some of the most egregious messages. An outside organization will be hired to conduct an investigation into the extent of racism and extremism in the police force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stavola |first=Michael |date=July 21, 2021 |title=Wichita on watch for extremism in police ranks after officer texted praise of militia group |url=https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article263709778.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Wichita Eagle}}</ref> |
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Property Crimes Bureau |
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===List of Chiefs=== |
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Robbery /Simple Assault |
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{{div col}} |
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* William C. Smith (1871) |
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* Michael M. Meager (1871–1874) |
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* William C. Smith (1874–1875) |
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* Michael M. Meager (1875–1877) |
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* Richard Cogdell (1877–1878) |
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* Daniel F. Parks (1878–1879) |
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* James Cairns (1879–1887) |
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* Williams W. Haines (1887–1888) |
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* Lewis Aspey (1889) |
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* James Cairns (1889–1890) |
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* Charles E. Burrows (1890–1893) |
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* Rufus Cone (1893–1895) |
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* O. Park Massey (1895) |
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* Charles E. Burrows (1895) |
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* Frank S. Burt (1895–1897) |
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* William Campbell (1897–1899) |
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* Charles M. Jones (1899) |
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* George T. Cubbon (1899–1902) |
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* Frank S. Burt (1902–1905) |
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* George T. Cubbon (1905–1907) |
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* Bedford Wood (1907–1908) |
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* Orman C. Emery (1908–1909) |
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* Frank S. Burt (1909–1910) |
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* James H. McPherson (1910–1911) |
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* William Henry Boston (1911)<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=24 January 1911 |title=Wichita is without a Chief today |url=https://kansashistoricalopencontent.newspapers.com/image/76319716/?match=2&terms=%22w%20h%20boston%22 |work=[[The Wichita Beacon]] |location=Wichita |access-date=8 November 2024}}</ref> |
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* Lincoln McKinley (1911)<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=22 February 1911 |title=New Police Chief chosen for Wichita |url=https://kansashistoricalopencontent.newspapers.com/image/63976890/?match=1&terms=%22w%20h%20boston%22 |work=[[The Topeka Daily Capital]] |location=Topeka |access-date=8 November 2024}}</ref> |
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* S. S. Meanor (1911) |
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* George T. Cubbon (1911–1913) |
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* G. C. Kensler (1913–1915) |
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* O. K. Stewart (1915) |
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* G. C. Hay (1915–1919) |
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* Samuel W. Zickefoose (1919–1921) |
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* Thomas F. Dawkins (1921) |
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* W. A. Scott (1921–1924) |
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* T. J. Thompson (1924–1926) |
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* I. B. Walston (1926–1928) |
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* [[O. W. Wilson]] (1928–1939) |
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* Leroy E. Bowery (1939–1941) |
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* Clyde Wilder (1941) |
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* Thomas H. Jaycox (1941–1946) |
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* George W. Shepherd (1946–1952) |
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* Roland Price (1952–1957) |
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* R. L. Anderson (1957) |
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* Eugene M. Pond (1957–1968) |
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* Merrill R. Kirkpatrick (1968–1972) |
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* Floyd R. Hannon, Jr. (1972–1976) |
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* Richard E. LaMunyon (1976–1988) |
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* Kerry D. Crisp (1988–1989) |
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* Floyd D. Powell (1989) |
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* Rick Stone (1989–1995) |
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* William M. Watson (1995–1999) |
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* John E. Hershberger (1999–2000) |
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* Norman D. Williams (2000–2014) |
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* Nelson L. Mosley (2014–2016) |
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* Gordon Ramsay (2016–2022) |
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* Lemuel Moore (2022–Present)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article257985898.html |title=List of every police chief of Wichita KS Police Department |last=Leiker |first=Amy |date=13 February 2022 |website=The Wichita Eagle |publisher=McClatchy Media Network |access-date=8 November 2024 |quote=}}</ref> |
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{{div col end}} |
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==Demographics== |
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Burglary |
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{{As of|2000}}, the WPD had the following demographic profile:<ref>[http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/lemas00.pdf Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics, 2000: Data for Individual State and Local Agencies with 100 or More Officers] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927025451/http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/lemas00.pdf |date=September 27, 2006 }}</ref> |
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*Male: 89% |
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*Female: 11% |
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*White: 82% |
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*African-American/Black: 9% |
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*Hispanic: 5% |
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*Other: 3% |
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==Awards== |
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Auto Theft |
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In 1991, Chief Rick Stone was named "Law Enforcement Officer of the Year" by the [[United States Marshals Service]].<ref>"Chief chosen best in U.S.- A summer of professionalism" Wichita Eagle. November 26, 1991</ref> |
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In 1996 the Wichita Police Department received the Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award for the South Central Prostitution Project.<ref name="WEagle961996" /> |
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Larceny |
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In 2003, the [[International Association of Chiefs of Police]] awarded the department the "Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award" for a project addressing violent crime in the [[Neighborhoods of Wichita, Kansas|Planeview neighborhood of Wichita]].<ref>[http://www.theiacp.org/documents/index.cfm?fuseaction=document&document_type_id=1&document_id=508 International Association of Chiefs of Police]{{dead link|fix-attempted=yes|date=March 2023}}</ref> |
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Financial Crimes |
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Also in 2003, the [[Boy Scouts of America]] gave the department the "Whitney Young Jr Community Service Award" for their support of Camp Awareness, a local four-day camp for boys between the ages of 7 and 10.{{cn|date=March 2023}} |
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== '''Crimes Against Persons Bureau''' == |
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The Crimes Against Persons Bureau consists of the following departments: |
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==See also== |
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Gang/Felony Assault |
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{{Portal|Kansas}} |
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* [[2017 Wichita swatting]] |
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* [[List of law enforcement agencies in Kansas]] |
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==References== |
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Homicide |
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<references/> |
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==External links== |
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Sex Crimes |
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*{{Official website|https://www.wichita.gov/WPD/Pages/default.aspx}} |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090722091000/http://www.scanwichita.com/police.php Wichita Police streaming scanner page] |
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[[Category:Government of Wichita, Kansas|Police Department]] |
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Exploited/Missing Children Unit |
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[[Category:Municipal police departments of Kansas]] |
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== '''Special Investigations Bureau''' == |
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The Special Investigations Bureau consistes of two departments: |
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Administrative Section |
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Undercover Section |
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== '''Technical Services Bureau''' == |
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The technical Services Bureau consists of the following departments: |
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Crime Lab Investigators (CSI) |
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Property/Evidence Section |
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Latent prints |
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Photography |
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== '''Patrol''' == |
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The City of Wichita is divided into 4 quadrants for field patrol officers and substations have been established in each of the areas for a closer connection to the neighborhoods they serve. |
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Patrol East has 10 patrol beats with a substation at Towne East Square Mall, 7700 E Kellogg |
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Patrol North has 9 patrol beats with a substation at 3015 # 21st Street North. |
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Patrol South has 9 patrol beats with a substation at 321 N Mead. |
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Patrol West has 10 patrol beats with a substation at Towne West Square, 4600 W Kellogg. |
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== '''Air Section''' == |
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The first purchase of a WPD helicopter to combat increasing crime was in 1970 with the purchase of a Hughes 300B. Today the air section has one MD500E helicopter and four people attached to the unit working on staggered schedules. According to the WPD’s website[http://www.wichita.gov/CityOffices/Police/Special+Operations/Air+Section/Air+Section.htm], the air section “coordinates and supports the operational activities of ground units by assisting with apprehensions, vehicle pursuits, foot chases, criminal investigations, traffic control, search-and-rescue, crime prevention, community-oriented policing activities, and special community events.” |
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Only twelve other departments in the country match the longevity of the Wichita Police Department's Air Section according to Air Beat Magazine[http://www.alea.org/public/airbeat/back_issues/may_jun_2003/Wichita_Police.htm] |
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== '''New Recruit Training''' == |
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New recruits have been trained simultaneously with the recruits from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s office since 1985 at the Wichita Sedgewick County Law Enforcement Training Center (WSCLETC). Training consists of 23 weeks of basic training and an additional 336 hours of training for the particular needs of the Metropolitan City of Wichita. |
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== '''Notable Events IN WPD History''' == |
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The WPD was in the forefront of the national news for the BTK (Bind, Torture and Kill) serial killer case that spanned 1974-1974 where 10 people were murdered which ended with his arrest and convivtion in 2005. [[Dennis Rader]] |
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Another notable event in WPD's history was the Hermann Hill riot on Easter Sunday in 1979 in a public Park named Herman Hill where 88 people were arrested and at least 51 were injured.[[Herman Hill riot]] |
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== '''Awards''' == |
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The WPD was honored to receive awards including: |
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'''2003 Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award''' [http://www.theiacp.org/documents/index.cfm?fuseaction=document&document_type_id=1&document_id=508]for the “Planeview Project” in recognition for promoting a standard of excellence that exemplifies law enforcement's contribution and dedication to the quality of life in local communities. The award is named for Webber S. Seavey, first president of the IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police).According to the IACP, "the problem oriented policing “Planeview Project” was developed and implemented to address an increase in violent crime in the Planeview area of Wichita. The project set the following goals: reduce violent and juvenile crime, enhance citizen relationships, develop partnerships with key stakeholders, address neighborhood blight and instill a sense of pride and ownership in the area. Through a number of sustained policing strategies, the Project yielded impressive results in 2002. Juvenile crime dropped 32 percent from June through September, auto burglaries fell by 12 percent and residential burglaries were reduced by 3 percent during the same time period. In addition, larcenies dropped by 8 percent and vandalism - including graffiti - decreased by 9 percent. There has not been a homicide in Planeview since Dec. 31, 2001. Aggravated assaults dropped by 57 percent and simple assaults by 78 percent in 2002." |
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'''2003 Boy Scouts of America Whitney Young Jr Community Service Award''' |
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Camp Awareness is supported by the Wichita Police Department and the Boy Scouts of America. This camp is a four-day camp for boys' between the ages of 7 and 10 that are not in the Cub Scout Program. The boys are recruited through schools and other community organizations. Summer day camp activities include swimming, archery, arts and crafts and field games. |
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Latest revision as of 18:33, 9 November 2024
| Wichita Police Department | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | WPD |
| Agency overview | |
| Employees | 862[1] |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Wichita, Kansas, USA |
 | |
| Map of Wichita Police Department's jurisdiction | |
| Size | 138.9 square miles (360 km2) |
| Population | 397,532 (2020)[2] |
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | 455 N Main Street, Wichita, Kansas |
| Agency executive |
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| Website | |
| Wichita Police | |
The Wichita Police Department (WPD) is the primary law enforcement agency serving Wichita, Kansas. Wichita Police Department’s jurisdiction overlaps with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.
History
[edit]The Wichita Police Department was created on April 13, 1871. A notable figure in the Department’s history was O.W. Wilson, who was considered an innovative police reformer. Wilson was credited with starting the Criminal Justice Program at Wichita State University, previously called the Municipal University of Wichita in 1937. O.W. Wilson was a protegee of Chief August Vollmer and later became the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.[3]
Another well known historical figure was Wyatt Earp, later known for his role in the shootout at the OK Corral. He was hired by then City Marshal Mike Meager as a police officer in Wichita on April 21, 1875 and fired on April 19, 1876. He then moved to Dodge City. [4]
On September 15, 1978, eighty-four (84) members of the police department turned in their badges and identification cards and went on strike to support the Wichita Fire Department, who were already on strike. The FOP cited pay and overtime compensation as the main reason for the strike, along with their inability to obtain a new union contract. Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon fired 84 striking police officers, which grew to 122 officers by the end of the strike.[5] Although the Police Chief said he would not hire the officers back, he eventually rehired most of the officers, but forced them to reapply for their jobs. [6]
In 1977 Chief Richard LaMunyon announced plans to implement Neighborhood Team Policing in Wichita beginning July 1, 1978.[7] In June, 1978 the Police Department's structure was changed to accommodate Team Policing. A Captain commanded 31 officers, six Lieutenants, and detectives who all will work as a team in a geographic area to address crime.[8] In 1983 Chief Richard LaMunyon announced the restructuring of the Department but retained the team concept. The original six (6) patrol sectors were consolidated into four (4) patrol sectors. Chief LaMunyon cited the lack of budget and manpower as a driving force behind the restructuring. Team Policing in its original structure was discontinued. [9]
Chief Richard LaMunyon is nationally known for his role in starting the Law Enforcement Torch Run as part of Special Olympics. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 by Chief LaMunyon in the Wichita Police Department and in 1983 the International Association of Chiefs of Police officially adopted the Torch Run. Many of the original participants in the Torch Run were later inducted as Hall of Fame members by Special Olympics.[10]
In the Herman Hill riot of 1979, 88 people were arrested and at least 51 were injured.
In 1993, Deputy Chief Mike Watson proposed the Police Department implement community policing in specific high-crime targeted areas as a precursor to adopting a city-wide implementation strategy. In 1994 two supervisors, Stephen Cole, and Thomas Stolz, were selected to lead the initiative. They selected 15 staff members trained to work with diverse populations, mediate neighborhood disputes, problem-solve, and use community resources. The officers were relieved of 911 call responsibility and focused on developing partnerships with the community while solving neighborhood problems.[11] In March 1996, the Police Department expanded community policing to cover the entire city and assigned 36 officers, each assigned to a beat, to community policing. [12]
In 1996 the Wichita Police Department received the Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award presented by the International Association of Chiefs of Police for a community project aimed at reducing prostitution in South Central Wichita. Traditional law enforcement activities such as prostitution stings only provided short-term relief to the community. In 1994 the Wichita Police Department adopted and implemented a philosophy of community policing in four targeted high-crime neighborhoods, which included the South Central neighborhood. The Wichita Police Department addressed the crime issues using a strategic enforcement plan and proposed two new city ordinances to combat crime in the area. An evaluation of the South Central Prostitution Project indicated that crime decreased in the area. Weapon violations and prostitution offenses declined dramatically. The neighborhood recorded an 11 percent decrease in crime for 1995 compared to 1994, with even more significant decreases observed in property crimes. [13]
In 2001 the Wichita Police Department received recognition as a top 30 semifinalist for the Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award from the International Association of Chiefs. The Police Department restructured the Investigations Division to transition the Investigations Division to Community Policing. Results from the project indicate that clearance rates for homicide improved, and three cold cases were also solved during the year. Robbery clearances improved from 39% to 48%, aggravated assault clearances improved 11 percent, and rape clearance skyrocketed from 78% to 98%. Overall violent crime clearance rates improved from 52% to 60% between 1998 and 1999. [14]
In 2003 the Wichita Police Department again received national recognition by receiving the Webber Seavey Award for Best Policing project in 2002 for a midsized City. The Police Department was recognized for the Plainview Project, which addressed juvenile crime. Officers organized a soccer league and a summer camp for children from kindergarten through 8th grade. Juvenile crime, including auto theft and vandalism, fell 32 percent from 2001 to 2002. [15]
The WPD made national news for the killing spree of Dennis Rader, also known as the BTK serial killer, from 1974 to 1978. He was arrested and convicted in 2005.[16] A tissue sample from his daughter was used to confirm DNA tests that linked Rader to ten killings committed between 1974 and 1991. Homicide Unit Commander Ken Landwehr was the department's expert on the BTK killer case, so the Wichita Police Department's Chief of Police Norman D. Williams assigned Landwehr to head the BTK Task Force in 2004.[17]
The Wichita Police Department, in conjunction with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, filed the very first Federal Racketeering case in Kansas history on September 28, 2007. Two indictments name 28 defendants - all Crips Gang members - citing 4 murders, 11 attempted murders, and other crimes including arson, robbery, cocaine, and crack cocaine possession with intent to distribute and transportation of minors to engage in prostitution. According to the indictment,[18] the Crips formed a criminal enterprise engaging in illegal activities including narcotics trafficking, drive-by shootings, and burglaries; sought to preserve and expand their power through intimidation, threats and assaults; attempted to preserve and protect themselves from interference by law enforcement; and tried to keep their victims in fear through violence and threats.[19]
The 2017 Wichita swatting that resulted in Wichita resident Andrew Finch being fatally shot by WPD Officer Justin Rapp.
In 2021 and 2022, the WPD received national attention for its lack of action in handling racism and extremism on the force. Department managers failed to appropriately discipline Wichita Police Department members who exchanged racist, sexist and homophobic texts and images. A city report stated the police force mismanaged investigation of the incidents. A committee appointed by Wichita City Manager Robert Layton said the department must "crack down on biased police officers, poor leadership, botched investigations and poor oversight."[20]
Also in 2021, Chief Lemuel Moore received national attention for disciplining members of the department who had sent extremist and racist messages. Moore has criticized an investigation under his predecessor, Gordon Ramsay, that cleared most of the officers of any wrongdoing in racist messaging and ordered “non-discipline” coaching and mentoring for some of the most egregious messages. An outside organization will be hired to conduct an investigation into the extent of racism and extremism in the police force.[21]
List of Chiefs
[edit]- William C. Smith (1871)
- Michael M. Meager (1871–1874)
- William C. Smith (1874–1875)
- Michael M. Meager (1875–1877)
- Richard Cogdell (1877–1878)
- Daniel F. Parks (1878–1879)
- James Cairns (1879–1887)
- Williams W. Haines (1887–1888)
- Lewis Aspey (1889)
- James Cairns (1889–1890)
- Charles E. Burrows (1890–1893)
- Rufus Cone (1893–1895)
- O. Park Massey (1895)
- Charles E. Burrows (1895)
- Frank S. Burt (1895–1897)
- William Campbell (1897–1899)
- Charles M. Jones (1899)
- George T. Cubbon (1899–1902)
- Frank S. Burt (1902–1905)
- George T. Cubbon (1905–1907)
- Bedford Wood (1907–1908)
- Orman C. Emery (1908–1909)
- Frank S. Burt (1909–1910)
- James H. McPherson (1910–1911)
- William Henry Boston (1911)[22]
- Lincoln McKinley (1911)[23]
- S. S. Meanor (1911)
- George T. Cubbon (1911–1913)
- G. C. Kensler (1913–1915)
- O. K. Stewart (1915)
- G. C. Hay (1915–1919)
- Samuel W. Zickefoose (1919–1921)
- Thomas F. Dawkins (1921)
- W. A. Scott (1921–1924)
- T. J. Thompson (1924–1926)
- I. B. Walston (1926–1928)
- O. W. Wilson (1928–1939)
- Leroy E. Bowery (1939–1941)
- Clyde Wilder (1941)
- Thomas H. Jaycox (1941–1946)
- George W. Shepherd (1946–1952)
- Roland Price (1952–1957)
- R. L. Anderson (1957)
- Eugene M. Pond (1957–1968)
- Merrill R. Kirkpatrick (1968–1972)
- Floyd R. Hannon, Jr. (1972–1976)
- Richard E. LaMunyon (1976–1988)
- Kerry D. Crisp (1988–1989)
- Floyd D. Powell (1989)
- Rick Stone (1989–1995)
- William M. Watson (1995–1999)
- John E. Hershberger (1999–2000)
- Norman D. Williams (2000–2014)
- Nelson L. Mosley (2014–2016)
- Gordon Ramsay (2016–2022)
- Lemuel Moore (2022–Present)[24]
Demographics
[edit]As of 2000[update], the WPD had the following demographic profile:[25]
- Male: 89%
- Female: 11%
- White: 82%
- African-American/Black: 9%
- Hispanic: 5%
- Other: 3%
Awards
[edit]In 1991, Chief Rick Stone was named "Law Enforcement Officer of the Year" by the United States Marshals Service.[26]
In 1996 the Wichita Police Department received the Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award for the South Central Prostitution Project.[13]
In 2003, the International Association of Chiefs of Police awarded the department the "Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award" for a project addressing violent crime in the Planeview neighborhood of Wichita.[27]
Also in 2003, the Boy Scouts of America gave the department the "Whitney Young Jr Community Service Award" for their support of Camp Awareness, a local four-day camp for boys between the ages of 7 and 10.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ Wichita Police site
- ^ "Table 1: Annual Estimates of the Population for Incorporated Places Over 100,000, Ranked by July 1, 2007 Population: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007" (CSV). 2007 Population Estimates. United States Census Bureau, Population Division. 2008-07-10. Retrieved 2008-07-10.
- ^ The Wichita Police Department: First Century, January 1, 1997
- ^ The Wichita Eagle Newspaper, January 21, 1978
- ^ Wichita Eagle Newspaper, September 15, 1978
- ^ Wichita Eagle Newspaper, September 21, 1978
- ^ Wichita Eagle Newspaper, September 20, 1970
- ^ Wichita Eagle Newspaper, June 4, 1978
- ^ Wichita Eagle Newspaper, October 19, 1983
- ^ Specialolympics.org
- ^ Wichita Eagle Newspaper, July 18, 1993
- ^ Wichita Eagle Newspaper, March 10, 1996
- ^ a b Wichita Eagle Newspaper, September 6, 1996
- ^ Wichita Eagle Newspaper, May 2, 2001
- ^ Wichita Eagle Newspaper, October 21, 2003
- ^ Police Chief Magazine
- ^ "National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund". Archived from the original on 2007-08-12. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
- ^ USDOJ
- ^ Article by Axcess News [permanent dead link]
- ^ "Committee criticizes Wichita police misconduct, racism". Associated Press. April 21, 2022.
- ^ Stavola, Michael (July 21, 2021). "Wichita on watch for extremism in police ranks after officer texted praise of militia group". The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved 2022-07-28.
- ^ "Wichita is without a Chief today". The Wichita Beacon. Wichita. 24 January 1911. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ^ "New Police Chief chosen for Wichita". The Topeka Daily Capital. Topeka. 22 February 1911. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ^ Leiker, Amy (13 February 2022). "List of every police chief of Wichita KS Police Department". The Wichita Eagle. McClatchy Media Network. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ^ Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics, 2000: Data for Individual State and Local Agencies with 100 or More Officers Archived September 27, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Chief chosen best in U.S.- A summer of professionalism" Wichita Eagle. November 26, 1991
- ^ International Association of Chiefs of Police[permanent dead link]