WICHITA — A violent crime rate about twice the national average has prompted Wichita law enforcement officials to join a national program that aims to drive down crime.
The Wichita Eagle reports the city is among 10 selected this year to participate in the U.S. Department of Justice National Safety Partnership.
Wichita cited the latest figures published by the FBI and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation in its application for the program.
Shootings have climbed steadily since 2014. Murders, rapes and aggravated assaults all ticked up between 2016 and 2018. And domestic violence now accounts for nearly half of all aggravated assaults reported in the city.
The partnership will provide training and technical assistance to the department at no cost.
