The Wichita Police Department has undergone one of the most extensive and thorough efforts in the nation to determine of racial profiling, or race-based policing exists as a matter if policy or practice in its day to day law enforcement activities. The process started in 2000, when Police officials enlisted assistance of community representatives to design a comprehensive data collection form. From January 2001 until July 2001, officers recorded information about every citizen stop they made. This information was then turned over to Dr. Brian Withrow of WSU for analysis.

Dr. Withrow is with us today to share the results of the study. We'll also hear from Police Chief Norman Williams and Deputy Chief Terri Moses.

In 2000, as President of the National League of Cities, I endorsed Congressional action to end racial profiling. I did that because it was consistent with the Ending Racism Initiative I helped launch through the National League of Cities. I also did it because I believe selective enforcement of our laws based on race or ethnic background is wrong.

We need to pull together as a community and re-state our resolve to keep our neighborhoods safe for all citizens. That means all neighborhoods, regardless what part of town or who lives there. I believe laws should be enforced equally without regard to race, gender, religion, or economic status.

The Wichita Police Department is working aggressively to address this issue by implementing policies and procedures that prohibit the practice...updating training curriculum to promote diversity awareness and cultural sensitivity...and recruiting ethnic minorities into law enforcement positions.

There is no higher priority than the safety of citizens. Wichita is a safe city by all measures and statistics. The Wichita City Council and the Wichita Police Department are committed to doing everything possible to prevent senseless assaults on our citizens and crimes against their property. And when they do occur, we are committed to bringing the people responsible to justice quickly.

I have the utmost confidence in Police Chief Norman Williams and the members of the Wichita Police Department to protect the citizens of this city and to do so in a way which does not discriminate against any citizen based on their race, ethnic background or religious beliefs.

We as a community need to continue doing our part by helping Police. Vigilant citizens, watching out for each other and caring for each other are the best deterrents against crime. I believe we must continue our efforts to rebuild community. We must make a collective reaffirmation of the dignity and significance of every single human being. We need to recommit to having a personal responsibility to our city and nation and to each other.

The City of Wichita is dedicated to promoting racial equality and justice as a fundamental aspect of a healthy community.

Racism is unjust. All citizens need to join together and speak with one voice against racism and hatred and for equal rights for all people.

I believe that. The Wichita City Council believes that. And I know Police Chief Norman Williams and the Wichita Police Department believe that.