The Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office have created a joint investigation team to look into officer-involved shootings and other incidents involving their agencies.
The team is called ALERT, or Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team. When an officer or deputy is involved in a critical incident, the team will conduct a transparent and thorough investigation, then present its findings to the District Attorney’s Office. The team will be composed of members of both agencies.
Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said the team will operate on policies and procedures that incorporate the best practices of law enforcement. Sheriff Jeff Easter said it will provide for an independent review and transparency in the investigation. He said deaths in the county jail will continue to be investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
