by Nick Castele
Cleveland is looking to buy vans that could accommodate police and prisoners ahead of the Republican National Convention, according to a request for bids from vendors posted online by the city.
The city hopes to buy seven cargo vans that could be outfitted with compartments and benches for transporting prisoners. The request asks for a monitor with video cameras, along with seatbelts for the vehicles. Another four vans could be converted into police base stations, with tinted windows, power outlets and a desk inside.
Cleveland is also shopping for smaller vehicles that could carry patients. Other items the city wants to buy include about a dozen pickup trucks, soft body armor and night vision binoculars.
Earlier this year, the city began looking for riot gear, barricades, horse trailers and bicycles.
The city received a $50 million federal grant to pay for equipment and out-of-town police. In addition to Cleveland police, thousands of other law enforcement officers are expected for the convention.
