Kansas Appleseed and ACLU Kansas are collecting information about the effects of the Wichita Gang Database maintained by the Wichita Police Department and any other Gang Database in the state of Kansas.  Have you or someone you know been directly impacted? Click here. 

What is a Gang Database? 

Often, individuals are identified as “gang members” by the police and placed in the Gang Database without individuals’ knowledge.  You do not have to commit or even be charged with a criminal offense to be placed in the Gang Database.  
At present, there is no way to challenge your listing in the Database, and no way to have yourself removed from it.  Individuals who are identified as “gang members,” and later are charged with a criminal offense, face much higher bond amounts, impossible probation and parole conditions, and enhanced sentences.  

Even if an individual is never charged with a crime, being listed in the Gang Database can have serious consequences, such as denial of employment or housing when that identification is revealed in a background check.

Across the country, there is a pattern among the use of databases like the Wichita Police Department’s Gang Database where individuals are “erroneously logged in it and the demographics of the database may indicate racial profiling.”

We’re taking action. 

Kansas Appleseed and ACLU Kansas want to challenge the use of the Gang Database and are looking for stories of how individuals have been affected by it.  If you or someone you know have been affected by having your name entered into the Gang Database, we'd like to hear your story. Please fill out the form below. All information will be kept confidential unless we contact you and get your permission to share it. 

Have you been directly impacted?