KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Big 12 fans are calling downtown Kansas City home and the large crowds create potential problems for police. But, officers say they have the situation on control.
Fans say they feel safe because there are a lot of officers on the ground and a few eyes in the sky.
“We came down to have fun and get a little bit of experience in with the basketball,” said fan Lauren Wilcox. “There have been a ton of police and I feel very safe.”
The police presence is hard to miss in the Power and Light district. Some officers are on horseback, bikes, cars and on foot.
‘The officers assigned down here are very dedicated and do a great job, moving around the crowd, helping move it well, traffic will come and go at ease,” said Capt. Mark Hatcher.
Cameras mounted on buildings and light poles downtown are also helpful resources. Police can tap into them at police headquarters or in the emergency operations command center. It helps to monitor parking lots and garages that police can’t keep an eye on constantly.
Police say people should also keep an eye out while they’re in the downtown area and take precautions to stay safe.
“Do not leave valuables in cars. If you’re going to bring something down of value that you think is necessary, then lock it in your trunk before you get into the area,” said Capt. Hatcher
The mounted police and bike patrols make it easy for officers to respond quickly.
“We’re able to move in and out in areas you wouldn’t be able to respond to in a car, they are intricate part of what’s going on here,” Hatcher said.
The Big 12 Tournament isn’t the only thing going on downtown. The KC Auto Show and the Women’s Big 12 Tournament is also going on for the next four days.
