Chicago police support RNC security efforts ahead of DNC next month – NBC Chicago

Next month, hordes of people, politicians and protesters will flock to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, and Chicago police officers are getting a taste of what convention security looks like this week.

Members of the department are currently in Milwaukee supporting local law enforcement at the Republican National Convention, gaining important experience before the eyes of the world turn to Chicago in mid-August.

“We are learning about the drone system and the camera system they are using,” said Duane DeVries, CPD chief of the Bureau of Counterterrorism.

Chief DeVries said his officers have been training for the conventions for over a year and are used to protecting large events.

“The security measures that have been planned for over a year are of the highest standard and will not change,” said Chief DeVries. “In Chicago, we often have visiting presidents, Obama lived in the city for a while, so we had a lot of emergency plans for the roofs at the time.”

The Secret Service is ultimately responsible for protecting the DNC, but Chicago police will work closely with them. The Illinois State Police and Cook County Sheriff’s Department will also help, along with a squad from the Milwaukee PD returning the favor.

Chief DeVries said the community is also increasing its efforts to support law enforcement.

“The city was great, the hotel association, the restaurant association,” he added. “They opened their doors to the officers to give them food and shelter. The whole city came together to make this a good event.”

Final security measures will be announced on July 25. Residents living near the United Center and McCormick Place, where the DNC events will take place, will be affected by security measures and street closures.