Projects & Programs

July 1^st2014 began the 63rd year of operation of the Wichita Crime Commission, Inc. Although the goals, objectives and mission statement have been re-defined over the years, members are still dedicated to providing service to the greater Wichita community. The Wichita Crime Commission continues to be the only totally autonomous Crime Commission in the country. Below are some of the programs encompassed by the Wichita Crime Commission

DV Free Wichita

DV Free Wichita is a program of the Wichita Crime Commission that aggregates all domestic violence prevention and help resources in and around Wichita into one online location, DVFreeWichita.org. Before DV Free Wichita, victims of domestic violence had to know where to look to find the resources they needed. Now, those resources, including emergency crisis counseling, short-term and medium term housing, counseling, and court orders from protection or stalking, are located in one central, easy-to-find location.

Crime Stoppers of Sedgwick County

In October, 2012 Crime Stoppers of Wichita Sedgwick County became a division of the Wichita Crime Commission. Started in 1980, Crime Stoppers locally provides a safe and anonymous way for citizens to report criminals and crime. Never in its three decades of operation has Crime Stoppers ever revealed the identity of a tipster. Since it began locally, Crime Stoppers has received more than 35,000 tips, approved more than $413,000 in rewards to citizens, and helped recover more than $5.2 million in property, weapons and drugs.

Guns 'n Hoses Wichita Amateur Boxing Tournament

On May 2, 2014 the Wichita Crime Commission held its third annual Guns 'n Hoses Wichita Amateur Boxing Tournament, a fundraising event that supports charities identified by law enforcement officers and firefighters. The tournament features law enforcement officers and firefighters from Sedgwick and Butler counties competing against one another in the boxing. Nearly 3,000 fans attended G&H 2014 and were entertained by 14 bouts between cops, firefighters and Silver Gloves youth boxers.

Law Camp

Each July, deputies from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office serve as camp counselors and mentors for 150 at-risk youth over a four-day camp out at Lake Afton. During the campout, which is the first for many of the young people, they learn to camp, fish, hike and enjoy the great outdoors.

Make Good Choices

Each month during the school year, Wichita Police School Resource Officers take between 25 & 30 at-risk high school students to state prisons where they confront the reality of those who have made bad life choices. These outings have turned around the lives of many youth. To see comments from two students who recently visited a nearby prison, please click here.

Gang Free Wichita

The Gang Free Wichita project is the Crime Commission's newest initiative. It is designed to raise community awareness about the problems caused by these criminal enterprises. The project is a web-based resource that provides young people, their families and the community with valuable information about gangs. The initiative, found at www.GangFreeWichita.org is a page on the Wichita Crime Commission website. On the page, visitors will find printable information about gangs, warning signs parents should look for that their child might be getting involved in a gang, how to keep young people out of gangs, information on gang signs, tattoos and graffiti, and a wealth of other information about criminal organizations. The gang hotlines of both the Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office are also on the website. Thanks to Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising, which donated space on all 11 of its digital billboard in and around Wichita, the Gang Free Wichita Project has immediately been a big success, raising the visibility in the community of the gang issue as well as that of the Wichita Crime Commission.

Midwest Law Enforcement Conference on Gangs and Drugs

This event, which is held in early June, was established many years ago to help law enforcement members in the Midwest keep abreast of the latest developments in gangs and drug trafficking. Commission members are invited to observe during these sessions.

Make Good Choices Annual Golf Tournament

The annual golf tournament is held in late summer or early fall and is a fun event for members and their guests. Revenue from the tournament provides funding for the Make Good Choices program.

Insider Briefings

These general membership meetings are held at the Scotch and Sirloin on the 4th Thursday of every month and include the latest information about a variety of topics from law enforcement professionals in our area.

Annual Awards Dinner

The Commission’s 53rd Annual Awards Dinner was held on September 28th, 2006 at the Hilton Wichita Airport Hilton Hotel.

Make Good Choices Program

Make Good Choices, conceived and developed by commission past president Jerry Hoggatt as an awareness program utilizing posters in schools, billboards and media public service messages, has expanded considerably.

Youth Court

School Resource Officers

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

Sedgwick County Sheriff's Law Camp

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Law Camp, begun in 1994, has established itself as one of the most successful young people related programs initiated in the area.

Regional Community Policing Training Institute

The Commission serves as Community Partner with the Regional Community Policing Training Institute, Wichita State University.

Membership

Membership is the lifeblood of the Crime Commission. Membership contributions allow the organization to maintain total autonomy.

Crime Prevention Guide

In a joint effort with the Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department, the Commission arranged for printing and distribution of 30,000 booklets entitled “Crime Prevention Guide.”