Cleveland considers sending police officers to presidential conventions

Calls for backup from Cleveland police

Two cities – Milwaukee and Chicago – could potentially receive support from Cleveland police at this summer’s national presidential conventions, but time is running out before the City Council approves them.

Cleveland Police Chief Wayne Drummond introduced the bill to City Council members on June 3, hoping the council would approve the proposal at its final meeting Monday night before the summer recess.

But after the bill was read, Councilman Michael Polensek told council members and law enforcement officials that no one had told him about the work, even though he was listed as its sponsor, and it had not been presented to the council beforehand.

“I’m not inclined to support that,” said Polensek, who chairs the security committee and represents District 8.

Milwaukee could call in the National Guard or other law enforcement agencies, he added.

Polensek asked that the piece be held back. It awaits further review by the administration and council.

The next council meeting is scheduled for July 10. The Republican National Convention is scheduled for July 15-18 in Milwaukee and the Democratic National Convention is scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago.

The bill would establish agreements with both cities and allow Cleveland to be reimbursed for providing law enforcement services.

More money for Cleveland City Council elections

During the meeting, council members discussed whether to consider increasing campaign contributions to council campaigns. Previously, individuals could donate up to $1,500 and corporations up to $3,000.

Council President Blaine Griffin said he thought doubling those amounts was a fair request. Others – like Councilman Joe Jones – questioned why there were limits on how much money could be donated to the council during the campaign season.

Later that evening, the council voted to double the limits on campaign donations.

Read the notes of documentarian Tina Scott:

Read documentarian Regina Samuels’ live tweet thread: