Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay met with leaders of the Wichita Ministerial League on Thursday and then held a press briefing to call for help from the community in dealing with recent increases in crime and violence.

Chief Ramsay said the closing of courts in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a factor, delaying justice in a number of cases.   He also cited a lack of funding for drug treatment and mental health programs.    He said stolen firearms have also been a factor, and there have been 346 guns stolen from cars and homes so far this year, with 100 guns recovered.   Chief Ramsay is calling on residents to make sure their guns are secured.

There have also been increases in domestic violence incidents and road rage incidents and everyday disputes where firearms are brought out.   Ramsay said the focus should be on “reducing the temperature before violence occurs.”   He said people should “take a few seconds in a heated situation before you do something you may regret.”

Former City Council member Lavonta Williams voiced concerns about teenagers involved in violence, and she appealed to young people and parents and families to reach out if there is more that can be done to keep teens out of trouble.   She also urged people dealing with mental health issues to reach out for help.