Kansas City, Missouri, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The Kansas City Police Department has unveiled new utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to enhance public safety and police presence in entertainment districts. These vehicles, known for navigating narrow spaces, are part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing community safety concerns. With a donation from the Police Foundation of Kansas City and UMB Bank, the UTVs will be deployed in key areas like the Crossroads and River Market, as well as during significant events, contributing to a safer downtown environment.
Kansas City residents and visitors will soon see police officers patrolling in new UTVs (utility terrain vehicles), also known as “side-by-side” vehicles. The Kansas City Police Department introduced these vehicles as part of an initiative aimed at enhancing public safety and increasing the police presence in downtown areas. Police Chief Stacey Graves unveiled the UTVs at a press conference on a Tuesday, highlighting their role in addressing community concerns about safety and crime in entertainment districts.
The UTVs will primarily be deployed in area hotspots including the Crossroads, River Market, West Bottoms, and 18th and Vine districts, as well as during significant special events. Each UTV costs nearly $36,000, but the Kansas City Police Department received two specially outfitted vehicles as a donation from the Police Foundation of Kansas City and UMB Bank. This donation underscores the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting the police department with various types of equipment in the past, which have included a command post bus and a bomb and arson truck.
Chief Graves emphasized that the support from the Police Foundation has allowed the police department to adopt innovative and technologically advanced methods to augment their policing efforts. The UTVs are designed to navigate narrow spaces, such as alleyways, parking garages, trails, and industrial areas, making them a versatile addition to the police fleet. Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and heating systems, which ensure suitability for year-round operations.
The UTVs also feature light bars and can be utilized for enforcement activities, achieving a top speed of 55 mph. The introduction of these vehicles aims to boost officer visibility and improve safety perceptions among residents and business owners in downtown Kansas City. Mayor Quinton Lucas stated that the initiative seeks to enhance police officer presence in the area and address lingering safety concerns as downtown continues to evolve as a vibrant destination.
Business owners in downtown areas, particularly in the River Market, have expressed optimism that the presence of UTVs will contribute to deterring crime. The UTVs will also be used during upcoming significant events until other community safety solutions are determined. Furthermore, the city has noted a decrease in crime rates, yet the police department aims to further enhance the sense of safety for both residents and business operators.
Overall, the introduction of UTVs marks a proactive approach by the Kansas City Police Department to tackle safety concerns in the area, reinforcing their commitment to improving community interactions and ensuring a safer environment for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are UTVs?
UTVs (utility terrain vehicles), also known as “side-by-side” vehicles, are specialized vehicles designed for various terrains.
How much do the UTVs cost?
Each UTV costs nearly $36,000.
Who donated the UTVs to the Kansas City Police Department?
The Kansas City Police Department received two specially outfitted UTVs as a donation from the Police Foundation of Kansas City and UMB Bank.
Where will the UTVs be used?
The UTVs will primarily be used in the Crossroads, River Market, West Bottoms, and 18th and Vine districts, as well as during special events.
What is the top speed of the UTVs?
The UTVs can achieve a top speed of 55 mph.
How will the UTVs impact community safety?
The introduction of UTVs is aimed at addressing community concerns about safety and crime in entertainment districts, enhancing officer presence, and improving safety perceptions.
Key Features of the UTVs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | Nearly $36,000 per vehicle |
| Top Speed | 55 mph |
| Usage Areas | Crossroads, River Market, West Bottoms, 18th and Vine districts, special events |
| Equipment | Light bars, air conditioning, heating |
| Donation | Two UTVs donated by Police Foundation of Kansas City and UMB Bank |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Joshua Rocha Faces Death Penalty
- Wikipedia: Death Penalty
- FOX4KC: Man Convicted of Murdering Officer
- Google Search: North Kansas City Officer Murder
- KMBC: Kansas City Police New UTVs
- Google Scholar: Kansas City Police UTVs
- FOX4KC: Kansas City Police Expand Patrol
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Kansas City Star: Local News
- Google News: Kansas City Police News
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
