DNC security coming at a cost
Council asked to OK deals for $10.2 million
By Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 10, 2008 at 7:49 p.m.
Updated July 11, 2008 at 12:03 a.m.
Policing the Democratic National Convention won't come cheap.
Denver's Department of Safety is asking the City Council to approve six contracts totaling more than $10.2 million with six outside jurisdictions that will be providing law enforcement during the four days the Democrats are in town.
Only contracts exceeding $500,000 require council approval.
"There are other (intergovernmental agreements) in place with approximately 35 other jurisdictions total, so I think we're ending up with 41," said Revekka Balancier, a city spokeswoman.
"When we say 'outside jurisdictions,' you should know that it's not just cities or counties. It's RTD and things like that as well," Balancier said Thursday.
The six contracts go before the council's safety committee Wednesday.
The state of Colorado is getting the biggest piece: $3.6 million.
"There are a number of different state agencies providing assistance," said Lance Clem, a spokesman for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
"The Secret Service has asked us not to provide statistics and numbers and all of that, but there are probably at least a half dozen state agencies that are providing assistance," he said.
The Aurora Police Department has disclosed that it will provide 300 officers. The city of Aurora is poised to receive nearly $2.9 million under its contract with Denver.
The federal government gave Denver a $50 million grant to pay for security-related costs during the DNC, which runs Aug. 25-28. City officials have said that about half of the grant will be spent on personnel.
"I think people are getting the wrong idea about what officers are going to do," Clem said. "Some of them are going to be involved in nothing more glamorous than escorting dignitaries. They're not all going to be standing around on street corners with their arms across their chests."
chacond@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5099
Price tag for outside cops
The Denver City Council is being asked to approve six* contracts exceeding $500,000 with outside jurisdictions for law enforcement assistance during the convention. Here are the contracts that exceed the $500,000 threshold:
* State of Colorado $3,647,735.23
*Aurora $2,865,280.83
*Lakewood $1,060,640.26
*Jefferson County $1,005,598.36
*Arapahoe County $949,851.42
*Adams County $693,894.77
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July 10, 2008
8:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Ohjin writes:
My tax dollars, to protect the DNC from it's own enraged constituants?
Socialism for the rich, and capitalism for the poor. All Ways in America.
Yesterday Obama votes to give Bush and his Tel Co's in crime a legislative pass, and in doing so showed how committed he is to CHANGE. It's business as usual So....
Let the DNC conduct business in Denver, WITHOUT a totalitarian sized police presence, it saves us a ton of money and let's the DNC react to justifiable anger the DNC has created.
Something tells me that without overwhelming Police protection many DNC members would vote differently, than they currently do.
Let's see!
July 11, 2008
9:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
warrengfunk7 writes:
Take away their protection from assassins, to change the way they vote? Are you serious? We might be able to brainwash them with radio waves! I heard the government spent plenty of your tax dollars on that stuff back in the 60's.
Really dude, if you don't like the way a politician votes, then don't vote for that politician when they run for office. That's the best you can do, my friend.
I wouldn't worry about this; $50 million from the federal budget is nothing. It's not being wasted, it's preventing riots and assassinations. The best way to fill your checking account is to conserve energy and reduce the amount of foreign oil produced gasoline you purchase. Taking the Light Rail as often as possible would be a great start. Also showing support for Pickens' new energy proposal and even donating to any politician whom pushed Pickens' plan - would also be a great start.
July 11, 2008
10:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
sheepherder writes:
R68, BlackBlock, Anarchists....we are going to need the police down there in a bad way! And it's not taxpayer money, if you donated to the Dems...it's on you! I really wish this will go peaceful, but with Glenn Moron" Spagnolo and other morons like him, I kinda doubt it. I hope the coppers get him first!