Secret Service, CPD canvass neighborhoods impacted by DNC security zones

CHICAGO — Officers with law enforcement agencies involved in the planning of next month’s Democratic National Convention hit the neighborhoods that will be impacted by security measures on Friday to ensure residents know what to expect.

“We are intentional about creating a plan that minimizes disruptions to the community as much as possible,” said Joel Heffernan, the U.S. Secret Service assistant special agent in charge of the Chicago field office.

Heffernan said the outreach touched about 1,000 residents and business owners.

The “security zones,” identified Thursday , will establish hard and soft perimeters around the United Center and McCormick Place. That will include street and sidewalk closures in the days before the convention kicks off August 19.

“This is a large event, but Chicago does large events all the time, whether it’s NASCAR, the marathon or events with hundreds of thousands of people,” Glen Brooks with the Chicago Police Department said. “We can handle this. This is something we regularly do and we’re looking forward to the convention.”

Yet to be determined by a judge are the “demonstration zones” where citizens will be able to exercise their First Amendment rights.

More than 500 officers from other cities will assist Chicago police during the convention but won’t patrol neighborhoods .

“The patrolling in the neighborhoods, the patrolling around here in the downtown are going to be Chicago police officers,” Brooks said. “That’s our primary responsibility and we will fulfill it.

After Republicans hold their convention in Milwaukee in July, Democrats will host their nominating convention in Chicago August 19-22. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.

• Security Zones & Protest Plans: What we know
• Chicago2024.com | Chicago’s DNC Website
• DemConvention.com | Democratic Convention Official Website

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