Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling emphasized the readiness of the city's police department to handle anticipated protests during the upcoming Democratic National Convention. With an estimated 50,000 visitors and numerous demonstrations expected, law enforcement agencies have been diligently preparing for over a year.
Snelling, alongside U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, assured the public of the department's comprehensive preparedness. Chicago police have undergone fresh de-escalation training, with 3,000 officers receiving specialized instruction to address civil unrest and potential riots directly.
Proposed changes to the handling of mass arrests include increased onsite supervisor oversight and post-event debriefings to evaluate strategies. Snelling emphasized that mass arrests are a last resort but acknowledged the need to be prepared for potential vandalism and violence.
Despite permit denials for demonstrations near the convention site, over 50 organizations plan to protest in Chicago, leading to legal challenges and groups pledging to march regardless of permits.
The Chicago Police Department's past handling of large-scale events has been scrutinized, with commendation for their management of NATO protests in 2012 but criticism for unpreparedness during the 2020 civil unrest following George Floyd's killing.
While the Office of the Inspector General highlighted areas for improvement in managing large events, Snelling disputed the report's accuracy.
Secret Service Director Cheatle is conducting venue tours in Chicago and Milwaukee, the latter hosting the Republican National Convention in July. When asked about potential security concerns following the recent guilty verdict against former President Donald Trump, Cheatle affirmed the focus on addressing all possible challenges and ensuring full preparedness for the upcoming events.
