Racial Profiling Task Force highlights achievements, grants
Helping communities comply with reporting statutes goal of new grant dollars

The Governor’s Task Force on Racial Profiling has released a new report, highlighting efforts toward achieving outlined goals and objectives, hosting community meetings, and receiving over a million dollars in grant money. 

This year, the Task Force began its “community conversations” throughout the state. These gatherings give law enforcement representatives and the general public a venue to share input and information with the Task Force members. 

“Maintaining an ongoing conversation between law enforcement and their communities is an important role of this Task Force, and these events are a positive way to facilitate that discussion,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

The next Community Conversation on Racial Profiling will be held in Wichita, 5-7 p.m., September 20 at the Midtown Community Resource Center, at 1150 North Broadway.

“We’ve been very pleased by the feedback from the communities we visit. The dialogue between citizens and law enforcement is open and honest – and that keeps all of us safe,” said Task Force Administrator Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, Executive Director of the Kansas Advisory Commission on African American Affairs.

The Task Force received a National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration grant of $643,000 in 2006 and an additional $538,352 for 2007. These funds will assist community groups with activities to prevent racial profiling and help law enforcement agencies implement the reporting requirements of the 2005 statute which created the Task Force.

“Our biggest hurdle has been identifying a profile-reporting method that works for law enforcement officials in every community, but these grant dollars should help move that process along as well as provide important diversity training throughout the state,” Dempsey-Swopes said.

The Task Force consists of 15 members representing law enforcement agencies, community advocacy groups, and state agencies.  The group makes recommendations addressing community concerns without creating a significant burden for law enforcement officers. In addition, the Task Force aims to increase cooperation and trust between law enforcement personnel and Kansas communities, thereby creating a safer environment for all.

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