Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is emphasizing the significance of thorough officer training in the lead-up to the Democratic National Convention. Anticipating an influx of around 50,000 individuals in Chicago for the event, including numerous anti-war activists near the United Center where Vice President Kamala Harris will accept the nomination, Snelling affirms that the Chicago Police Department, in coordination with federal law enforcement, is well-equipped to manage large crowds and address any security apprehensions.

Acknowledging the potential for unforeseen circumstances, Snelling highlighted the importance of officer preparedness through professional training. The city’s officers have received training in constitutional policing, de-escalation techniques, and handling civil unrest and riots. Additionally, approximately 16 hours of instruction in Chicago policies will be provided to outside agencies supporting the convention’s security measures.

Drawing lessons from the Republican National Convention held in Milwaukee, Chicago officials sought to enhance their security strategies by observing the event. In contrast, Milwaukee officers reportedly did not receive specific training for their convention operations, and city police presence during significant demonstrations at the Republican convention was noted to be minimal.

The Republican convention in Milwaukee faced stringent security measures following an attempted attack on former President Donald Trump. However, the involvement of external law enforcement entities drew criticism after a fatal shooting by Ohio police near the convention and the arrest of an individual carrying a weapon near the convention perimeter.

While Snelling refrained from detailing specific alterations resulting from the Milwaukee experience, he asserted that managing individuals attempting to bring weapons to the convention site was among the focal points addressed in the officers’ training. Vigilance and readiness to handle unforeseen circumstances were underscored as key aspects of the police department’s approach in ensuring smooth operations during the upcoming Democratic National Convention.