Santa visits kids at KCPD East Patrol

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dozens of children gathered at Kansas City Police Department's East Patrol Friday night to visit Santa Claus.

This is the first year police organized a visit from Santa.

The big man dazzled children as he arrived in a big, red sleigh pulled by horses. He was accompanied by police cars with their lights on.

"We've never seen Santa come here," said 11-year-old Malik. "We've never seen Santa in a sleigh with horses."

KCPD Community Interaction Officer Rita Olson-Stawicki organized the event.

She said she hopes kids walked away with smiles on their faces.

"I never want a child scared of my uniform. I want them to run to the uniform instead of away from the uniform," she said. "Events like this help build bridges for relationships."