(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A Chicago City Council committee has unanimously approved plans for adjustments around the main venues for the Democratic National Convention this August.
With only a relatively short discussion, the Police and Fire Committee easily approved unspecified “security zones” around the United Center and McCormick Place for DNC activities.
The U.S. Secret Service hasn't announced where the perimeters will be, but Scott Spears, acting general counsel for the Chicago Police Department, said people won't be allowed to do "certain activities" without proper clearance or to carry anything that could be hazardous.
A few alders asked how police will handle potentially rambunctious demonstrations near the convention. Duane Devries, CPD’s deputy chief of special operations, said they're ready and have been training for months.
“We welcome the First Amendment,” Devries said. “We’re not going to welcome violence, civil disobedience or destruction of property.”
Devries said police will be able to strategically pull individuals who break the law without corralling larger groups of peaceful protesters.
The police are also expecting a new helicopter. It's a welcome gift from the DNC that Chicago gets to keep afterwards.
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