Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is confident in the preparedness of the Chicago Police Department to handle crowds of protesters during the upcoming Democratic National Convention. The department has been planning for over a year in anticipation of the convention, which is expected to draw 50,000 visitors and bring about massive protests. Snelling assured the public that they are fully ready to respond to any civil unrest that may occur during the event, including new training for officers and proposed changes to how mass arrests are handled.
Approximately 3,000 officers are currently undergoing specialized training to effectively respond to civil unrest and the possibility of riots. The department has also received fresh de-escalation training to better handle tense situations. Proposed changes to the process of mass arrests include more on-site supervisor review and debriefings afterward to assess the effectiveness of the response. While mass arrests are considered a last resort, Snelling emphasized that the department is prepared to deal with any potential vandalism or violence that may occur during the convention.
More than 50 organizations are planning to protest in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention, with some groups facing challenges in obtaining permits for demonstrations near the convention site at the United Center. Despite the denial of permits, some groups have vowed to march regardless. The Chicago Police Department has been under scrutiny for its handling of large-scale events in the past, receiving both praise and criticism. While they were commended for their handling of NATO protests in 2012, they faced criticism for being unprepared during the civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd in 2020.
Regarding the recent guilty verdict against former President Donald Trump and its potential impact on security issues, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle stated that they have not yet seen any impact on the upcoming events. Cheatle, along with Snelling, highlighted the importance of being fully prepared for any challenges that may arise during the convention and expressed confidence in the readiness of law enforcement agencies. Despite concerns and criticisms raised by the city’s Office of the Inspector General regarding the handling of large-scale events, Snelling dismissed the report as inaccurate and emphasized the department’s progress in preparing for the convention.
Cheatle is expected to tour convention venues in both Chicago and Milwaukee, where the Republican National Convention will be held in July. The Chicago Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are focused on ensuring the safety and security of the events, particularly in light of the potential for protests and civil unrest. As preparations continue for the Democratic National Convention, officials remain committed to addressing any security challenges and ensuring the smooth operation of the event.
