The Kansas City Police Department says they will be prepared if hundreds of youths return to the Country Club Plaza.
Check out a firsthand account by Micah Wilkins.
The police departmens plans to meet with the Plaza Merchant’s Association and the NAACP to reach the best solution.
One of their goals is to inform parents that the Plaza is not appropriate for unattended children at night. Parents could now be ticketed for dropping off their kids and if those under 17 are there after midnight.
“We will be taking a number of measures to ensure those who shop, visit, dine at and stroll around Kansas City’s historic Plaza area can do so without fear,” Police Chief Jim Corwin said.
Facts about the disturbance April 10
- A girl wearing her prom dress was pushed into the fountain
- Youths beat up and robbed a couple, stealing a purse and glasses
- They approached diners on the patio of the Cheescake Factory who had to-go boxes, grabbed the food, and tossed the boxes into fountains
- Fights broke out throughout
Can the KCPD really prevent such an occurrance from happening again? What is the best solution to protect the safety of Plaza shoppers and diners without discriminating against age or color?
Tell us what you think.
Good blog, Michelle. I think you’re right in questioning the police force’s agenda here. Are we really trying to keep out “unattended teenagers” or teenagers of color?
I think it’s ridiculous to state that it is not appropriate for these teens to be on the plaza, at night “unattended.” I have been doing this since probably the 7th grade. The plaza is a place where everyone should be able to hang out. It is one of the main attractions in the city, with the most shops, restaurants and a movie theatre (that is also outdoors and not in a mall).
I realize that the Plaza business-owners’ first priority is money, but honestly if Plaza shoppers and eaters are that scared of teenagers or people of color, then why attract them in the first place? The Plaza is located in Midtown pretty much, so why can’t the people of Midtown spend time there?