Suburban police prepare for political conventions this summer – Shaw Local

With the national political conventions in Chicago and Milwaukee just weeks away, some suburban law enforcement agencies are preparing for an influx of visitors as well as protests and other activities that could require their intervention.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Rosemont Department of Public Safety have already been asked to assist Chicago police when the Democratic National Convention takes place Aug. 19-22 at the United Center.

Other departments will be on alert for problems in their communities during this gathering or its Republican counterpart, which will be held July 15-18 at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum and other venues.

The Democratic convention is expected to attract around 50,000 visitors and massive protests. Law enforcement officials have been preparing for the event for more than a year.

As dozens of organizations plan to protest, police preparations include classes in de-escalation techniques and specialized training for civil unrest and possible riots, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said. during a press conference last week.

Snelling can also get help from out of town.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office was asked to send deputies to Chicago to serve during the convention, Chief Deputy Chris Covelli said. Their potential responsibilities have not yet been defined.

“Once we have more information, we will determine if and how much we are able to spare staff,” Covelli said.

The sheriff’s office also receives and reviews bulletins from the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Illinois State Police regarding conventions, Covelli said. Lake County Homeland Security Director Michael Jackson also communicated with federal and local agencies before the events.

Rosemont police spoke with the Secret Service about its call to action in Chicago, Sgt. Joe Balogh said. The plans are fluid.

Rosemont police expect additional traffic and people in town during the convention.

“We have had the opportunity to participate in several other major events and tours that have taken place in Rosemont,” Balogh said. “(It’s) nothing we haven’t already experienced or trained for.”

“We will be vigilant”

Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick L. Kreis, chairman of the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Response Team, said suburban police leaders must be prepared for possible civil unrest and other contingencies during conventions.

“If there is going to be unrest or unrest, we don’t know where it will happen,” he said. “We have to be ready.”

Mundelein police will be on the lookout for protests or other potentially disruptive activities, Chief Jason Seeley said. This means monitoring social media, contacting people organizing gatherings, communicating with police in neighboring communities, and being observant during patrols.

“In today’s social and political environment, our staff recognizes that any event has the potential to develop or transform into a situation that requires our attention,” Seeley said. “We will be vigilant.”

The department will also communicate with federal and state agencies working under the conventions.

No staffing adjustments are planned at Mundelein, Seeley said, but that could change as conventions approach.

“If the intelligence obtained before the event suggests that we should increase staffing levels, we will do so,” he said.

Preparing for the political conventions fits into the Schaumburg Police Department’s existing strategies to deal with increased activity over the summer, said Cmdr. » said Christy Lindhurst.

“We work closely with our hotel staff and management to ensure we are aware of occupancy numbers, large groups and events,” Lindhurst said. “Additionally, we will continue to closely monitor all potential crowds and activities throughout the summer. »

The Des Plaines police are not planning any special operations during the two conventions. But the department will be ready to respond to emergencies in town or nearby communities if necessary, said Cmdr. » said Matt Bowler.

Elgin police have not been given any special directives regarding convention dates, but are trained to handle civil unrest, crowd control and protests, said Sgt. Mike Martino said.

Wheeling police don’t expect convention-related unrest to spread through their city. Instead, officials view the rallies — each of which takes place about an hour’s drive from Wheeling — as potential positives.

“We hope our hotels and restaurants will generate business during both conventions,” said chef Jamie Dunne.

Daily Herald Staff Writer Mick Zawislak and news organizations contributed to this report.

https://www.dailyherald.com/20240609/nation-and-world-politics/weve-got-to-be-ready-suburban-police-gearing-up-for-politics-conventions-this-summer/