I am writing to you as a concerned resident of Ruskin Heights, Ruskin Hills, & Hickman Mills to urgently request an increased police presence and heightened traffic/safety patrols in our community. Over the past several months, our neighborhood has experienced a worrying rise in criminal activity, which is deeply impacting our community's sense of safety and peace of mind.

This summer, it has become almost a daily occurrence to hear multiple gunshots throughout the neighborhood. There have been multiple shootings nearby at places like our local park, Sycamore Park, where many neighbors bring their children. Multiple times a week, residents are posting on the Ring Neighborhood app saying they are hearing gunshots in their neighborhood. This is very concerning as there are multiple schools in this neighborhood. This is an amazing, diverse neighborhood, with many families and children. 

Another issue has been speeding vehicles. The majority of this neighborhood does not have sidewalks, so speeding cars and bikes down the streets has become a growing concern. With speeding vehicles there has been a large amount of car break-ins, or attempted break-ins. 

Some of us in the neighborhood have put together a petition to request more police presence and patrol to make us all feel, and be, more safe. We have also started a Ruskin Heights Patrol Facebook group for members of our community to post updates and information. We as a community are happy to come together to help look out for one another, and we’re hoping KCPD can be there right next to us to assist. It is our right to feel safe, secure, and happy in our homes. Many of us have small children, children are constantly playing out in their yards, or at the parks. All we want is to create a safe environment for our families and ourselves.

We are not just asking for more patrols; we seek a cooperative effort between the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) and our community to create a lasting solution. This may include protective measures such as increased foot patrols, community policing initiatives that focus on building trust and cooperation within the community, and deployment of resources that address the underlying causes of criminal activity.

We appeal to the KCPD: help us make Ruskin Heights, Ruskin Hills, and Hickman Mills safe havens for our families again. Let our children play in parks without fear, let us gather without looking over our shoulders. By signing this petition, you support the call for a strengthened police presence, urging KCPD to prioritize our neighborhoods' safety. Stand with us in demanding action and securing a future of peace for our community. **Sign this petition** to send a strong message that we want to sleep without fear, walk without worry, and live without violence.