BJA Seeks CNA Assistance for the 2012 Presidential Nominating Conventions
Given the unique nature and challenges posed by National Special Security Events, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) asked CNA to support local law enforcement planning for security operations by providing on-site analytic support and technical assistance during the presidential nominating conventions. CNA deployed analysts to observe law enforcement discussions and note key decisions, actions, and field operations as they related to key functional areas, such as communications, crowd control, and public information/media relations.
CNA analysts Denise Rodriguez King, George Fachner, and James Stewart deployed to Tampa, Florida in late August to support the Tampa Police Department’s (TPD’s) public safety and security operations for the 2012 Republican National Convention. In preparation for the convention, TPD trained over 1,900 officers from across the state of Florida on crowd control tactics and use-of-force polices. Over 5,500 state and local law enforcement officers provided public safety and security throughout the event. The team’s preliminary analysis in Tampa shows that the event posed unique planning, operations, and coordination challenges, but TPD was well prepared to deal with the incidents that arose and was able to maintain positive interactions with the demonstrators throughout the event. TPD noted that their operational response was a success, as there were no compromises to officer safety, and only two arrests were made.
In early September, CNA deployed Tammy Felix, Vivian Chu, and Steve Rickman to Charlotte, North Carolina for the 2012 Democratic National Convention. The analysts supported the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), whose response throughout the convention aligned with its planning objectives. Prior to the event, the Police Training Academy trained 4,600 crowd control officers on crowd and civil disturbance management tactics. Officers were prepared to deal with the incidents that arose, making 25 arrests and managing crowds and demonstrations. In addition, the collaboration and interagency partnerships between CMPD, neighboring local jurisdictions, federal agencies, local businesses, and community organizations played a significant role in the success of the event. For example, in response to the change in venue for the President’s speech on September 6, 2012, CMPD effectively coordinated with stakeholders to ensure that security-related operations were altered appropriately.
The CNA teams will use their observations to develop a Quick-look Report and a comprehensive After-Action Report for each of the conventions.
CNA analysts Denise Rodriguez King, George Fachner, and James Stewart deployed to Tampa, Florida in late August to support the Tampa Police Department’s (TPD’s) public safety and security operations for the 2012 Republican National Convention. In preparation for the convention, TPD trained over 1,900 officers from across the state of Florida on crowd control tactics and use-of-force polices. Over 5,500 state and local law enforcement officers provided public safety and security throughout the event. The team’s preliminary analysis in Tampa shows that the event posed unique planning, operations, and coordination challenges, but TPD was well prepared to deal with the incidents that arose and was able to maintain positive interactions with the demonstrators throughout the event. TPD noted that their operational response was a success, as there were no compromises to officer safety, and only two arrests were made.
In early September, CNA deployed Tammy Felix, Vivian Chu, and Steve Rickman to Charlotte, North Carolina for the 2012 Democratic National Convention. The analysts supported the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), whose response throughout the convention aligned with its planning objectives. Prior to the event, the Police Training Academy trained 4,600 crowd control officers on crowd and civil disturbance management tactics. Officers were prepared to deal with the incidents that arose, making 25 arrests and managing crowds and demonstrations. In addition, the collaboration and interagency partnerships between CMPD, neighboring local jurisdictions, federal agencies, local businesses, and community organizations played a significant role in the success of the event. For example, in response to the change in venue for the President’s speech on September 6, 2012, CMPD effectively coordinated with stakeholders to ensure that security-related operations were altered appropriately.
The CNA teams will use their observations to develop a Quick-look Report and a comprehensive After-Action Report for each of the conventions.
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