Kansas City police will begin testing foot patrols in some of the city’s most crime-ridden areas.

Officials say 21 fookies, newly graduated from the police academy, will patrol the selected neighborhoods during a three-month test period starting August 1st.  Officials hope to better connect with neighborhood residents.

Foot patrols haven’t been practiced in Kansas City for decades.   Departments across the country including in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle are giving them another look.

If it proves to be a success, the experiment will be be extended and may become permanent.

Officials say the officers will work in pairs from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday.