Wichita Police Department requests ordinance revision to streamline closure of buildings linked to recurring crime

Chief Joe Sullivan asks Wichita City Council to revise the three-strikes ordinance for closing buildings following a fatal North Broadway shooting.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 4:14 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from KWCH

Proposed changes to building closure ordinances

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan addressed the city council on March 6, 2026, to advocate for a revision of the current ordinance governing the closure of buildings tied to chronic crime. Under existing regulations, the Wichita Police Department operates under a three strikes policy before it can take formal action to shut down a problematic property. Sullivan argued that the department needs the authority to act more swiftly, stating that law enforcement must be able to do more than make individual arrests when a location remains a persistent threat to public safety.

Incidents at North Broadway apartment complex

The push for legislative change follows a fatal shooting that occurred on Tuesday at an apartment building on North Broadway. Chief Sullivan noted that this specific property has been a source of concern for the community for a significant period and has received multiple citations. According to the Chief, the recent shooting alone would account for two of the three required strikes under the current system. He emphasized that the building must either rectify its outstanding citations or face closure, as the recurring issues have placed an undue burden on the surrounding neighborhood.

Impact of historical demolitions on local business

To illustrate the benefits of removing criminal hotspots, local law enforcement and business owners pointed to the previous demolition of the Regency Inn on West Kellogg. The former motel had been vacant and inhabited by squatters, serving as a frequent site for criminal activity. Jake Thomas, manager of Rayer’s Bearden Stained Glass, reported that the removal of the building led to a visible reduction in loitering, trash, and abandoned property in the area. Thomas noted that the change has allowed his staff to focus on their professional work rather than filing police reports.