Plaza deploys armed security as part of sweeping safety overhaul

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - For the first time in its history, the Country Club Plaza is being patrolled by armed private security guards. The move comes after a series of high-profile safety concerns last summer, including illegal ATV activity, thefts, and several shootings that alarmed businesses and visitors alike.

Now under new ownership, the Plaza has introduced 35 Class A armed guards, four marked patrol vehicles, and an expanded network of security cameras. Off-duty Kansas City Police Department officers will also continue to be part of the security presence throughout the district.

Country Club Plaza Chief Marketing Officer Victoria Snee issued the following statement to KCTV5 regarding the new security efforts.

“The safety and security of our customers remains our top priority at Country Club Plaza, as we continue to provide a safe, family-friendly environment. We have recently engaged a new security company. Some improvements include shifting from unarmed to Class A armed security officers, adding additional highly trained patrol officers on all shifts as well as more patrol cars. We will continue to have a heavy Kansas City Police Department off-duty presence. There will also be more security cameras added throughout the property while existing ones are upgraded with enhanced technology.”

Deserae Minor, owner of KC Style Haus, said she believes the presence of armed security could be a turning point for the area.

“I think that’s fantastic, because if we get the security in line, and we get to where people feel safe coming down here again, the rest will come,” Minor said. “What I’ve heard is that they’re also going to start prosecuting more, even with the shoplifting down here, which will help owners down here tremendously.”

Developer Matt Pennington, who is building Cocina 47 at 47th and Pennsylvania, echoed that optimism.

“Word travels, and with people hearing that and then deciding, hey, this is a good place to be again – that’s what makes it exciting for us,” Pennington said. “Knowing that they’re armed and they can actually take care of some of the problems that might arise, is really everything for just the confidence of our patrons.”

The new security measures come just ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the start of the city’s summer youth curfew, part of a broader effort to ensure the Plaza remains a welcoming and secure destination for residents and tourists alike.

KCTV5 was allowed inside one of Metro Security’s vehicles. They are equipped with AED defibrillators and first aid kits, which is another aspect of safety that the new team hopes to bring to the shopping district.

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