Suburban police prepare for political gatherings this summer

With only a few weeks left until the national party conventions in Chicago and Milwaukee, some police departments in the suburbs are preparing for an influx of visitors, as well as protests and other activities that may require their intervention.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Rosemont Public Safety Department have already been asked to assist Chicago police at the Democratic National Convention, which will take place August 19-22 at the United Center.

Other ministries will be on guard during that gathering or the Republican counterpart, which will be held July 15-18 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and other venues, in case unrest breaks out in their communities.

50,000 visitors expected

The Democratic National Convention is expected to draw 50,000 attendees and massive protests. Law enforcement has been planning the event for over a year.

With dozens of organizations planning demonstrations, police preparations also include classes in de-escalation techniques and special training in the event of social unrest and possible riots, Chicago Police Commissioner Larry Snelling said at a news conference last week.

Snelling may also get help from outside the city.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has been asked to send officers to Chicago during the convention, Deputy Chief Chris Covelli said. Their possible assignments have not yet been determined.

“As soon as we have more information, we will decide whether and how much staff we can spare,” Covelli said.

The sheriff’s office also receives and reviews communications from the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Homeland Security Department and Illinois State Police regarding the gatherings, Covelli said. Lake County Homeland Security Director Michael Jackson has also been communicating with federal and local authorities in advance of the events.

Rosemont police have spoken with the Secret Service about an operation in Chicago, said Sergeant Joe Balogh, but plans are still open.

Rosemont police expect additional traffic and more people in town during the convention.

“We’ve had the opportunity to participate in several other major events and visits that have taken place through Rosemont,” he said. “It’s nothing we haven’t experienced or trained for before.”

“We will be vigilant”

Patrick L. Kreis, police chief of Vernon Hills and chairman of the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System emergency response team, said police chiefs in the suburbs need to be prepared for possible unrest and other eventualities during the conventions.

“If there is trouble or unrest, we don’t know where it will happen,” he said. “We have to be ready.”

Mundelein police will be on the lookout for demonstrations or other potentially disruptive activities, Police Chief Jason Seeley said. That means monitoring social media, contacting people organizing gatherings, communicating with police in neighboring communities and being alert on patrol.

“In today’s social and political environment, our staff understands that any event can develop or transform into a situation that requires our attention,” Seeley said. “We will be vigilant.”

The ministry will also communicate with the federal and state authorities responsible for the meetings.

No personnel adjustments are planned in Mundelein, Seeley said, but that could change shortly before the conventions.

“If information prior to the event suggests that we should increase our staff, we will do so,” he said.

Preparations for the conventions fit into Schaumburg Police’s existing strategies for dealing with increased activity during the summer, said Commander Christy Lindhurst.

“We are working closely with our hotel staff and management to ensure we are aware of occupancy numbers, large groups and events,” Lindhurst said. “In addition, we will be closely monitoring any potential gatherings and activities throughout the summer.”

Des Plaines police are not planning any special operations during the conventions, but the department will be prepared to respond to emergencies in the city or neighboring communities if needed, said Commander Matt Bowler.

Elgin police have not received any special instructions for the convention dates, but are trained to deal with riots, crowd control and protests, Sergeant Mike Martino said.

Wheeling police do not expect the problems surrounding the convention to spill over into their city. Rather, officers view the gatherings – each of which takes place about an hour’s drive from Wheeling – as potentially positive aspects.

“We hope our hotels and restaurants will get some business during both conventions,” said Police Chief Jamie Dunne.

· Daily Herald editor Mick Zawislak and news agencies contributed to this report.

In August 1968, Chicago hosted the Democratic National Convention. The streets were filled with protesters and there were clashes with the police.
Courtesy of Bernie Kleina/AP

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