The Utica Police Department is unveiling a new Utility Terrain Vehicle that will make it easier to patrol City parks.

UPD Chief Mark Williams and Mayor Robert Palmieri took the UTV for a test drive a Proctor Park today.

“It’s all about the quality of life issues,” Palmieri said. “Our parks are a great feature of the City and people use them to walk, play and relax. We want to make sure, as we enhance our beautiful park system, we’re able to provide adequate police coverage and protection.”

Williams says they usually see an uptick in calls at city parks during the summers months.

"This vehicle will allow our police officers to address quality of life issues in those are of our parks that are not accessible by a motor vehicle," said Williams.

Williams says park patrols with the new vehicle will begin immediately

The City has the state's third largest park system behind New York and Buffalo

Williams says the UTV can also be fitted with tracks for police response during the winter months.

Jim Rondenelli, WIBX
Jim Rondenelli, WIBX
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Jim Rondenelli, WIBX
Jim Rondenelli, WIBX
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