In just a few short weeks, the city of Chicago will be abuzz with excitement as it hosts the Democratic National Convention. Thousands of people, including politicians, protestors, and spectators, will make their way to the Windy City to witness this historic event. And in preparation for this momentous occasion, the Chicago Police Department is already hard at work, gaining valuable experience at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week.
Led by Chief of the Bureau of Counterterrorism, Duane DeVries, the CPD has been training for the conventions for over a year, and they are no strangers to protecting large-scale events. With their extensive training and expertise, the department is well-equipped to ensure the safety and security of all those in attendance.
As part of their preparations, Chief DeVries and his team are learning about the drone and camera systems being used in Milwaukee, which will also be utilized in Chicago. This hands-on experience will be crucial in handling any potential security threats and ensuring the smooth running of the event.
But the CPD is not working alone. They will be working closely with the Secret Service, who are ultimately responsible for protecting the DNC. In addition, the Illinois State Police and the Cook County Sheriff’s Department will also be providing assistance, along with a group from Milwaukee PD, as a gesture of reciprocity for their help during the Republican National Convention.
While the police are the main force in charge of ensuring the safety of the event, Chief DeVries emphasized the importance of community support in making it a successful and secure one. He mentioned the generosity of the city, with the hotel and restaurant associations opening their doors to officers for food and shelter during the event. This kind of support from the community is a testament to the strong relationship between the CPD and the people of Chicago.
Residents living near the United Center and McCormick Place, where DNC events will take place, will be impacted by security and street closures. However, Chief DeVries assured that the final security perimeters will be announced on July 25, giving residents ample time to plan and make necessary arrangements.
The anticipation and preparations for the Democratic National Convention have been building up for months, and soon, the eyes of the world will be on Chicago. But with the professionalism and dedication of the Chicago Police Department, along with the support of the community, we can rest assured that the event will be a resounding success. So let us come together and welcome the DNC to our city with open arms and make it a memorable and safe event for all.
