Law enforcement officials preparing for next week’s GOP convention in Cleveland said they have changed their security plan in the aftermath of the Dallas massacre of police. But the officials said that the city would remain safe and they were prepared for whatever comes their way.
Asked about the Dallas attack by reporters, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said, “It definitely impacts our planning.” He did not elaborate on what specific precautions or changes may yet come as a result.
The convention is a National Special Security Event, which means U.S. Secret Service assumes the lead role in planning and coordinating the security measures. U.S. Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy told reporters on Tuesday that the federal officials’ preparation would pay off.
“We have been planning for close to a year,” Clancy told reporters. “The planning that we’ve done puts us in a very good position to be very successful this week and again it goes to the leadership here in Cleveland and that’s what gives me great confidence as we take on the task of protecting this venue.”
Clancy noted that each convention and city presents different complications, but he believed his agents were up to the task.
A tip line has also been set up for convention-goers to report suspicious activity: 1-800-225-5324.
The GOP convention begins on Monday, July 18, and some committee meetings of delegates to the convention have already begun.
