CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Johnson administration says city officials and their partners are preparing for just about anything in terms of security as they plan for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this summer.
Mayor Brandon Johnson points out Chicago has hosted many national conventions. 1996 was just the latest one.
However, police superintendent Larry Snelling points to the 2012 NATO summit here—and its massive demonstrations-- as especially instructive.
"The experience and knowledge we gained from NATO and the many major events we've secured have been invaluable and we're using what we've learned to apply to the DNC," he said.
Snelling acknowledged that 12 years have passed since the NATO summit, so many things have changed and officer training protocols will address that.
Secret Service DNC Coordinator Jeff Burnside said they will be responsible for security inside the convention venues at the United Center and McCormick Place. He added that they work with in partnership with local agencies and private industry.
"Both have a significant amount of say in how the security plant comes together."
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications promises to keep the public apprised of things like crowds and traffic.
Jose Tirado, Executive Director of OEMC, mentioned that his team is "planning for critical impacts to facilities, neighborhoods, and businesses, as well as alternate routes for first responders and motorists."
Those maps will be online when they’ve been created.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram I TikTok