KC cops are patrolling in new UTVs. How much did they cost? Who paid for them?
Those visiting and living in Kansas City’s downtown corridor will start to see police officers patrolling in new UTVs, or “side-by-side” vehicles in the coming weeks.
Unveiling a pair of those vehicles publicly at a press conference on Tuesday, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said they will normally be used by officers who patrol in the Crossroads, River Market, West Bottoms and 18th and Vine districts. They will also be used for special events.
How much did they cost?
The two new UTVs cost nearly $36,000 apiece, police said.
Who paid for them?
Police said two new, specially outfitted UTVs were donated to the Kansas City Police Department by the Police Foundation of Kansas City and UMB Bank.
Graves noted other recent donations made by the foundation in recent months, including a command post bus and a bomb and arson truck.
“The police foundation has allowed us the ability to be an innovative and technology-advanced police department,” she said.
Said Tye Grant, the foundation’s president: “...I think we’re seeing dividends being paid to our community because of the collaboration that we have between the police department, police foundation and our community to fund some programs that might not otherwise be able to be funded through current budget processes.”
What will they be used for?
The UTVs, which are smaller than a full-size patrol vehicle, can be used to navigate situations like narrow alleyways, parking garages, trails and industrial areas, Graves said.
The vehicles have air conditioning and heating systems and can be used year-round. They’re also equipped with light bars and can be used to stop vehicles, Graves said, noting they have a top speed of 55 mph.
