KCPD prepared for busy few days with Chiefs game, New Year’s

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Officers with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department will be out in full force this week with a Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday and followed by New Year’s Eve on Monday.

“It will kind of be a long weekend,” KCPD spokesman, Sgt. Jake Becchina, said. “We know people will be out celebrating the holiday going into Sunday and Monday and we want people to do that safely.”

Drinking is a big part of both celebrations. Unfortunately, sometimes so is getting behind the wheel and driving after having too much to drink.

“Despite that, if people do choose to make that poor decision to drink too much, or drink in excess, or in a impaired state and operate a vehicle, we do have officers in our DUI squad and patrol officers as well that will be out and about all weekend,” Becchina said.

Off-duty officers will assist KCPD’s usual patrol officers to provide extra security at game.

Becchina stressed that KCPD’s primary message is for anyone planning to drink to come up with a game plan of how to get home.

“Start early,” season ticket holder Jonathan Crocker said of his approach. “Get in early before the game. Go in the game. Enjoy the game. Drink some water. Sober up.”

Fellow Chiefs fan Joe Schilling said he takes a similar approach: “I have a few drinks when we first get here, but I stop and I know I will have four or five hours and will eat a few things.”

Law enforcement wants the public to be safe, but it’s fine to have fun, too.

“The real message that we want people to take in is, if you take the risk to enjoy alcohol during the holiday, please also make the choice to have a (designated driver) or choose a ride service and make a plan ahead of time,” Becchina said.

Friends and family want people to make smart decisions as well.

“All I want from my friends when I take my friends out and we have a good time is for them all to come home,” Schilling said. “I want to see them the next day. I want to talk to them the next day.”