KC-area police increase presence, measures to crack down on crime this summer
In an effort to prevent crime during the busy summer months, Kansas City area police and fire departments have begun to take extra measures to keep their communities safe.
Communities across the metro can expect to see a spike in police officers, rules and regulations.
From cracking down on street racing and sideshows downtown to ensuring minors are not out past curfew, law enforcement has already started cracking down on illegal activities.
“Whether it’s violent crime, property crimes, or lawlessness on our roadways, we will work tirelessly to hold offenders accountable…everyone in this city, local and abroad, deserves to enjoy it safely,” said KCPD spokesperson Sergeant Phil DiMartino.
So, what are the measures being taken to keep the Kansas City metro safe?
Curfews
For Clay County and Jackson County, beginning May 23rd until the last Sunday of September, youth under the age of fifteen must be accompanied by an adult after 10 p.m.
Minors under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by an adult after 11 p.m.
Anyone under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian after 9 p.m. in the following entertainment districts:
18th & Vine
Central Business District
Country Club Plaza
Westport
Zona Rosa
While no new regulations were implemented for public parks, previous curfews are still in place in alliance with Kansas City Parks and Recreation.
All local city public parks have a curfew for everyone set between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekdays and midnight until 6 a.m. on weekends with the exception of lawful authority to be there.
To view the list of curfew ordinances for the full year in Missouri cities, click here.
To view the list for Kansas cities, check your municipality’s code of ordinances.
Street races and sideshows
The Entertainment District Plan, a new initiative by the Kansas City police department to decrease crimes downtown and in other popular areas, will primarily focus on the recklessness and damage that street racing and sideshows have caused.
The new initiative includes the addition of several patrol officers, detectives and tactical response officers for property crimes.
Both the Traffic Unit and the Community Engagement Division (CED) will be adding officers to the entertainment districts as well.
Additional assets
For popular areas in Johnson County, the Overland Park police will enlist the help of local school resource officers to add to their patrol units.
For public parks in Johnson County, the Police Community Unit will be on duty on bicycles along the county’s many trails. This division of the Overland Park police department consists of officers working directly with the members of their communities to solve neighborhood problems collectively.
Local fire departments will also reinstate the crowd management component within their Prevention Divisions. This unit is responsible for the management and safety of large gatherings, such as protests, festivals, sporting events and concerts.
What are the penalties?
Curfew violations for underage individuals can result in being detained by law enforcement officers until a parent or legal guardian can release them.
Parents of minors who violate the city-wide curfew ordinances can face a fine of up to $500.
For street racing and sideshows, first time offenders can face a fine of up to $150 and/or up to 30 days in jail. A second violation will result in a $300 fine and/or 60 days in jail. Any violations beyond this point will result in a fine of $500 and/or up to six months in jail.
Spectators of the street racing and sideshows can be fined up to $100 by their respective Municipal Courts.
Vehicles suspected of being involved in illegal street racing may be subjected to a judge issued search warrant and having their vehicle impounded by law enforcement.
