Overview

• Patrols began Tuesday with two UTVs assigned to the Downtown Foot Beat covering the River Market, Crossroads, West Bottoms and 18th & Vine.
• The vehicles were donated by the Police Foundation of Kansas City through a partnership with downtown businesses.
• KCPD says the UTVs address safety concerns in busy districts by reaching alleys, parking garages and other tight spaces.
• Each unit has heating and air conditioning for year‑round use, with officials planning to add more only if the rollout proves successful.
• Police advise motorists to treat flashing lights from the UTVs as a normal traffic stop, while Mayor Quinton Lucas publicly backed the deployment.