The 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland is about four months away. The city was selected to host the event two years ago and shortly after that announcement, planning for security started.
Sources confirmed to newsnet5.com that officers from various local departments spent time with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's bomb squad training for the event over the past couple of days.
The four day convention is expected to bring more than 50,000 people to Cleveland in July. Sources told newsnet5.com that Cleveland police have reached out to police departments across our area for help. Officers from as far west as Erie County and as far south as Carroll County will be in Cleveland in July.
SWAT teams, helicopters, boats, will be pressed into service.
Many different law enforcement agencies, from Homeland Security to the FBI, are involved. "Really when it comes down to it, the FBI's primary role for this is terrorism. We hope we are preparing for nothing," said FBI Special Agent Vicki Anderson.
The federal government is providing $50 million for security. $20 million for equipment and $30 million for personnel.
