Mayor Q Defends Crackdown Against ATVS, Sideshows & Street Racers

Here's an extended answer regarding questions about street level enforcement . . . It's a worthwhile behind the scenes look at reasoning as more questions start to emerge . . . Check-it:

Mayor Q Talks Kansas City Street Crackdown

After each recent weekend of street takeover enforcement, I get comments challenging why we enforce against those committing traffic crimes; why PD is allegedly not focused on "more serious" behavior; and why there allegedly aren't alternatives for these offenders?
 
On each:

Enforcement -- Everyone has a right to a peaceful quality of life. Crime is crime. Judges and juries can mete our proper sentences that assess severity, but the role of police and City actors is to enforce laws on the books. The people of our state and city have found that those threatening safety of other drivers, pedestrians, and themselves merits enforcement.  We'll continue this intervention to save lives and bring peace to communities.

"More Serious" Offenses -- KCPD officers investigate and work to solve shootings and homicides each day, some of which have occurred at illegal sideshows. Letting one type of activity slide in pursuit of another breeds further misconduct, disregard for the law, and perpetuates the consequence-free environment too many of our shooters live in.  KCPD has a duty to enforce the law and will do so. Street takeovers disrupt neighborhoods and businesses, place people in fear, create illegal noise issues, and have led to deaths. This activity is a real problem for our city and many others.

Give People Alternatives -- Kansas City gives many alternatives. "Mayor's Nights" start again soon, providing recreation to kids and young adults at Parks and Rec facilities. Those interested in lawful ATV, dirt biking, and other racing activities have potential outlets elsewhere in the region, but to be clear, much of the activity at issue has little do with wanting to truly race or stunt on a plot of land away from the city core, it's a desire to be seen in crowded areas for social media likes, crowds, and thrills that include scaring innocent bystanders and challenging police.  With all the land mass in our region, 12th and Grand for example, is not the best place to set up your ATV for a thrilling ride.  Folks act up there to be seen, to have an impact, and to threaten others.  That conduct cannot be tolerated in our city, particularly with the high potential of serious injury and death from unlicensed racing and stunt car activity.  

I'm all ears for how to promote lawful and safe behavior in our City.  Criminal, antisocial, and dangerous behavior will continue to see serious enforcement from the police and others until it ceases.  

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Developing . . .