Cape Girardeau officers head to Kansas City for World Cup security

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Two Cape Girardeau police officers are heading to Kansas City this weekend to assist with security operations during FIFA World Cup events.

Officer Bobby Newton and Corporal Robert Couch will join law enforcement agencies from across Missouri after Kansas City officials requested mutual aid assistance ahead of World Cup matches and fan events.

“Kansas City reached out to several departments throughout the state asking for mutual aid assistance for this big event,” Newton said. “The more law enforcement officers, the more security they have there, the better off it will run.”

The officers are expected to assist with security operations at both the Fan Festival and inside the stadium during match day activities Friday and Saturday.

Newton said the assignment will be unlike anything he has experienced before.

“This will be the first time for us to work an event of that size,” he said.

As they prepare for the trip, Newton said he has been following coverage of the World Cup crowds and event preparations to get a better understanding of what to expect.

“I’ve just been watching a lot of the pictures of the crowds and seeing how many people are there,” Newton said. “Trying to get a game plan as far as what we’re going to encounter while we’re there as well.”

While security remains the priority, Newton said he is looking forward to being part of one of the world’s largest sporting events.

“I’m excited to be there,” he said. “Being there, seeing all the different countries there, meeting all the individuals and providing security for the fans that will be attending.”