Denver police force doubled for convention
By Judi Villa, Rocky Mountain News
Published August 22, 2008 at 2:08 p.m.
Updated August 22, 2008 at 2:08 p.m.
Nineteen months of security plans are about to be put to the test as Denver gears up this weekend for the Democratic National Convention.
"We're ready," Denver police Chief Gerald Whitman said today.
For months police have resisted releasing any information about their security preparations, saying making it public could undermine their efforts.
But with the opening of the convention three days away, Whitman laid out some of the details behind the intense planning that began when Denver was notified in January 2007 that it would host the DNC, in an exclusive interview with the Rocky Mountain News.
Among the highlights:
Fifty-two law enforcement agencies will be involved, not counting the secret service, FBI and other federal agencies. Denver estimates its force of 1,500 will double for the convention.
Officers have undergone 114,000 hours of specific DNC training. That includes training on everything from how to use radios to crowd management, dignitary protection and bomb recognition. Officers received additional legal training on the First and Fourth amendments.
Police brass have personally met with leaders for all but "a very few" protest groups that have obtained event permits for DNC week. Each group has been assigned a police liaison.
"We want to support them and facilitate what they're doing," Whitman said, "but they have to do it lawfully."
Denver has invested more than $18 million to beef up equipment at the police, fire and sheriff's departments for the DNC. An Emergency Management Center opens today , and a temporary arrestee processing center opens Sunday.
During the convention, the police presence will be large and very visible "to make sure the people who are visiting downtown feel safe," Whitman said.
Officers brought in from other jurisdictions will help with DNC security and answer patrol calls in other districts to free up Denver officers to work downtown. Officers on routine patrol will be paired with Denver officers.
In his nine years as chief, Whitman said, "This is the most complex (event) with the most moving parts."
Ninety-six events are planned at 12 parks.
Police have been briefed on common methods and tactics of protestors who may want to create civil unrest. A bulletin issued to officers warned them to watch out for shields, helmets, gas masks, cases of nails, metal piping and chemicals, among other things, that could be used to fuel a riot.
The American Civil Liberties Union has objected to the memo, saying it also includes such "innocuous items" as maps and bicycles and is "unnecessarily provactive."
But Whitman said if the memo is read in its totality, "It's real clear that we're looking for suspicious activity that may be related to criminal activity."
Police prefer not to make arrests but instead to seek voluntary compliance to the laws, Whitman said. And, he said, police actually will lead each of the 26 planned parades during the DNC.
Although he doesn't believe there will be major civil unrest or mass arrests, Whitman said, "We're obligated to be prepared for that."
And just how will Whitman define success when the DNC is over?
"It's a peaceful event," Whitman said. "People participate, and it's safe."
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August 22, 2008
3:03 p.m.
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EZBakeOven writes:
Good luck to law enforcement. Hopefully they won't have to use that training to deal with all the whackadoodles coming to town.
August 22, 2008
3:18 p.m.
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7_ogNiOj writes:
'During the convention, the police presence will be large and very visible "to make sure the people who are visiting downtown feel safe," Whitman said.'
The comedy never ends!
August 22, 2008
3:39 p.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
"Walk softly but carry a big (night)stick".
I hope it does go smooth and there is a minimum of trouble, but if it does get out of hand (protester's CHOICE) - Denver will be ready.
August 22, 2008
3:56 p.m.
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rickg19611 writes:
"Denver will be ready"
Yeah... Seattle and Chicago said the same thing.
August 22, 2008
4 p.m.
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heinis27 writes:
Lord, please allow my husband and all the officers of DPD and surrounding departments to come home in one piece. Thank you. Amen
August 22, 2008
4:24 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
Good luck people of the DNC. Watch your backs, the police love to whoop azz. Remember your freedoms and don't let the police take advantage of them.
August 22, 2008
4:30 p.m.
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EZBakeOven writes:
freedomfighter1: "Good luck people of the DNC. Watch your backs, the police love to whoop azz. Remember your freedoms and don't let the police take advantage of them."
Remember your freedoms do not allow you to break the law, assault people and damage property. Oh, and take a shower every now and then, m'kay?
August 22, 2008
4:45 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
EZbakeoven writes
"Remember your freedoms do not allow you to break the law, assault people and damage property."
Let's see-does it give the police a right to bust out a man's teeth on a sidewalk? does it give the police the right to go into someone's home(property) and shoot their dog? does it give the police the right to go to the wrong house with a warrant and shoot the individual that lives there (wrong suspect)? does it give them the right to ticket a lady standing on public property with a sign saying Bush=Mcsame.
The police cross that line everyday, but people like you run to back them up. I am for a goverment by the people and for the people. I am not sure what you are for.
August 22, 2008
5:09 p.m.
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EZBakeOven writes:
freedomfighter1 - I'm not defending the police in those situations. "People like me" appreciate the hard work and dedication of 99% of officers who often work under undesirable conditions. You make it sound like police are trained to "whoop azz" and that is simply wrong.
August 22, 2008
5:24 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
99% is off. I am not saying these things happen to me, but in my own experience I would estimate 50% of police (i've encountered)have violated my rights, lied or acted in similar ways.
My message was to those who will be at the DNC. I know police will be taking extra precautions. I have no doubt that some people's rights will be infrindged on.
They are trained with tactics closely resembeling whooping azz.
August 22, 2008
5:37 p.m.
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EZBakeOven writes:
I think it would be hard to actually quantify, but my experience has been mostly good, so that's how I measured it.
My message was for the DNC'ers too. Please don't think your freedoms extend to breaking the law, that's all. Police are trained in pain compliance so you will quit doing what you are doing. If that resembles whooping azz, then so be it. Sounds like you will be out amongst the crowd ff1 - have fun, but be smart (not a smart azz :-o ).
August 22, 2008
5:54 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
agreed