Chicago Police helping with Democratic National Convention security

Chicago police officer on patrol duty at the Democratic National Convention, Charlotte Convention Center

(photo by Lynn Sweet)

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–The Chicago Police Department sent a contingent of officers to help out with security at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.

On Sunday, I spotted officers from Chicago’s Shakespeare and Austin Districts and the academy at the Charlotte Convention Center. A Chicago Police Department spokesman told my colleague, Chicago Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman that about 50 officers are in Charlotte and that their salary and expenses will be reimbursed by the host city.

Chicago is returning the favor–Charlotte loaned police personnel to Chicago for the May NATO Summit.

The GOP and Democratic conventions–just as was the NATO Summit–are designated by the Department of Homeland Security as a National Special Security Event. The Secret Service oversees the security plan and coordinates with the various law enforcement and military players.