Cleveland Police See Minimal Problems as Convention Sees Last Day

Cleveland Police See Minimal Problems as Convention Sees Last Day

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Jul 21, 2016

We all knew the Republican National Convention was going to be huge. Even so, Cleveland Police did not back down from the incredible task of securing the Quickens Loan Arena in the midst of some of the deadliest police shootings in U.S. history.

In preparation for the event, the city of Cleveland swore in 2,000 out-of-state officers to assist its group of 500. They added 3,000 federal officers assigned to RNC security. The planning for the event proved successful as the convention comes to a close on July 21. The officers still stand steady after three days of protests, crowd management and facility security within the 1.7-square-mile event zone.

Perhaps one of the most prominent pieces of security equipment viewed by those attending the event were the 300 bikes on which the officers rode throughout the days of the conference. Chief Williams described officers on bikes to be more approachable and their mobility gave them the ability to maneuver into places cars cannot while also giving them a quick transition to on-foot if needed.

Officers were dressed in personal protective gear to ensure their own safety during the event. This included bullet-proof vests and gas masks. Some protestors were shaken by the view of officers in what they’d like to call, “riot gear.” But Chief Williams was quick to point out that this was just a safety precaution on the officer’s part due to the amount of violence on law enforcement in the recent weeks.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams was calm, cool and collected when updating the media morning and night during the convention, frequently repeating the phrase, “That’s it” to show that the minor problems that did occur where not out of the hands of the officers set to patrol the areas.

The even that garnered the most attention was a protest that attempted to burn a flag during a demonstration. While burning the American flag is not illegal, the person who set the flag on fire also set fire to the pant legs of fellow protestors. Ultimately, 15 protestors were arrested for failure to disperse and resisting arrest. Two officers came out of the scuffle injured, Chief Williams explained the officers had been punched and shoved while demonstrators resisted arrest.

“Right now, I think so far so good,” Chief Williams said during a media briefing. “We are still out there, we are still vigilant to make sure we finish this last day on a positive note. We are asking people if they see something, say something so that we make sure we stay safe.”

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.