Next week marks the official start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago 2024. The convention is anticipated to draw tens of thousands of attendees. Chicago police and other law enforcement agencies are expected to deal with serious security dangers. Such as those posed against politicians, delegates, protestors, and attendees in order to keep people safe.
At a press conference held late last month, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling stated, “We’ve been working together to make this a successful event for more than a year.” “For it to be successful, it must be safe. These are the things we know about the city’s safety and security arrangements with just a few days to go before the Democratic National Convention.
How did Chicago police prepare for the Democratic National Convention 2024 security?
Prior to the convention, Snelling stated that his department had substantial collaboration with the Secret Service and other law enforcement organizations.
Police officials state that 48 hours of training will be provided by the department. In addition, 2,500 CPD officers will be assigned to Democratic National Convention tasks. Since officers will be working long hours throughout the convention, the department also plans to cancel the officers’ days off during the Democratic National Convention.
Police officers have practiced using riot shields during an open training session hosted by CPD leaders in June. Furthermore, they also practiced “line relief,”. Line relief is a procedure that will enable cops to switch out while keeping a constant barrier, as well as how to make room for an ambulance or other emergency vehicles.
In order to help with security for the Republican National Convention last month, Chicago also dispatched officers to Milwaukee. Moreover, Snelling claims that the training provided by the CPD is concentrated on upholding officer discipline. Further making sure police are operating as a cohesive team, and safeguarding the First Amendment rights of demonstrators.
Where will the Democratic National Convention 2024 be held?
According to the timetable, full street closures will start at McCormick Place at 10 p.m. on Friday as well as the United Center at 7 p.m. on Saturday. “Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow extra travel time during the buildout and throughout the week of the convention,” officials also stated.
United Center – Tentative Security Perimeter Fencing Buildout
August 12th, Monday 2024
6 a.m. All development areas around the perimeter of security are prohibited from parking (in curb lanes).
August 12th thru August 17th, Saturday
· 8 A.M. As the fencing is staged and installed, rolling curb lanes, complete street closures, and alley closures may be necessary.
August 17, Saturday
Around the limited perimeter, street closures for the United Center start at 7 p.m. (security enforced).
Street closures and parking restrictions in conjunction with the installation of United Center fencing
- Monday: Paulina: Monroe to Adams; Damen to Wood, Wolcott between Washington & Warren; build up on Washington
- Tuesday: construction along Washington from Damen to Wood; Wood to Warren; Warren positioned between Wood and Paulina
- Wednesday: Washington to Damen, Warren to Hoyne, and Hoyne to Madison for the Damen build out Build up on Adams on Thursday: Damen to Wood
- Also on Friday, Hoyne to Seeley, Madison to Adams for Seeley, Adams to Jackson for Damen, and Monroe from Wood to Paulina for the Madison build out.
August 23, Friday
1 a.m. Take Down gets going. When finished, the streets will open.
Buildout of Temporary Security Perimeter Fencing at McCormick Place
August 12th, Monday 2024
· 6 a.m. Parking is not allowed in curb lanes in any development sites surrounding the perimeter of security.
· Nine in the morning. As fencing is staged, full street closures with rolling curb lanes are anticipated.
Tuesday 13th to Friday 16th of August 2024
· 12:01 in the morning. As the fencing is installed, a rolling curb lane, complete street closures, and alley closures may be necessary.
August 16, Friday 2024
· 10 p.m. McCormick Place: Also, limited perimeter and street closures (security enforced).
Installing parking restrictions as well as closing streets is part of the staging of McCormick Place Fencing.
- Tuesday: construction on 24th Place, reaching Michigan to McCormick Place; Indiana, reaching 24th Place and 24th St; Michigan, reaching Indiana, reaching 24th Place and 25th St; MLK Drive, reaching McCormick to 25th St.
- Wednesday: construction on Indiana from 24th Place to McCormick; Cermak from Indiana to MLK Dr. and McCormick
- Thursday: Build out on McCormick: Cermak to MLK Dr.
August 22, Thursday
6 p.m. Takedown gets underway. When finished, the streets will open.
Where will the protests take place During the Democratic National Convention?
Union Park, which is about three blocks east of the United Center, and Park #578, which is a little closer and just north of the United Center, will be the two main protest locations during the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Despite being the smaller of the two protest areas, Park #578 will have speakers and a stage provided by the city.
Written by Imani Ward
Sources
The DNC will be at 2 locations in Chicago.
Secret Service, police provide final Chicago DNC security update
What We Know About Chicago’s DNC Safety and Security Plans
Featured Image Courtesy of Kelly DeLay’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of SHYCITYNikon’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
