Wichita ? A federal judge says the Wichita Police Department can continue questioning members of the force about whether they get backup assistance when they call for it, following complaints from some black officers.

U.S. District Judge Monti Belot denied a temporary restraining order sought by Lawrence Williamson, an attorney who represents four female officers in a lawsuit alleging sex discrimination, as well as up to 40 black officers.

Williamson has not filed a suit regarding the complaints of the black officers, but he told The Wichita Eagle about their allegations, including that some reported being denied backup help.

After an article appeared in the Aug. 13 edition of the paper, the Wichita Police Department began the questioning, which Williamson asked Belot to stop. Deputy Police Chief Tom Stolz said at a hearing before Belot on Monday that about 450 officers and supervisors would be questioned.

Stolz said the department began the questioning because of safety concerns.

“Officers do not have to like each other, but they do have to be professional and back each other,” he said.

In denying the restraining order, Belot said, “The Police Department is responsible for inquiries into an issue that could affect not only the safety of officers but the safety of the public.”

At least one of the four female officers Williamson represents in the sex discrimination suit also alleges that she was denied backup. Williamson contended that direct questioning of the four female officers by police captains could be used to intimidate them or others. He said there could be a chilling effect on other female officers who might become part of the litigation if it becomes a class action lawsuit.

Stolz said the questioning was not meant to retaliate or to abuse the rights of officers.

The judge said the female officers named in the suit could have a lawyer present when they were questioned. Kelly Rundell, a senior assistant city attorney, said one of the four already had been questioned.

Stolz said it would take about a month to finish the questioning, which began late last week.

A survey sheet asks, “Do you have any direct or indirect knowledge of any officer not immediately responding to an officer’s request for assistance (backup)?” There’s a request for explanation if the answer is “yes.”

Kevan Lager, president of the Wichita Fraternal Order of Police, said he supported the questioning.

“I think it’s important that we get down to the bottom of what their allegations are,” he said.