The city IS prepared for the Republican National Convention. That was the message voiced repeatedly by law enforcement officials at a briefing on Cleveland’s safety plans Tuesday. ideastream’s Annie Wu has more on the coordination between the city’s police, fire, corrections and emergency medical services.
Police officers will be dressed in short sleeves, not military gear. City and county jails have set aside beds in case of mass arrests. Fire officials will be inside and outside the security zone with hazmat and decontamination teams. Local hospitals will help staff first aid tents for convention goers, media, demonstrators, and law enforcement personnel. Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams says the city and its partners will be ready both on the streets and behind the scenes.
"We’re looking at everything that can or may or will happen during this convention – from a lost child to a catastrophic event." Williams says. "We’re looking at all of it and we’re preparing for all of that."
City officials say even a national veterinary response team will be in town to care for dogs and horses working the RNC.