Cleveland Seeks 2,000 Riot-Control Suits For GOP Convention

FILE -- Seattle police officers wearing riot gear are seen in this Nov. 9, 2011, file photo as they surround a bank during a demonstration near the University of Washington in Seattle. In December the U.S. Justice De... FILE -- Seattle police officers wearing riot gear are seen in this Nov. 9, 2011, file photo as they surround a bank during a demonstration near the University of Washington in Seattle. In December the U.S. Justice Department said Seattle police had engaged in a pattern of excessive force that violated federal law and the Constitution. Investigators said inadequate supervision and training had led officers to grab weapons such as batons and flashlights too quickly and to escalate confrontations even when arresting people for minor offenses. The story was among the top 10 Associated Press news stories for 2011, as voted on by editors in Washington. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File) MORE LESS

March 4, 2016 11:23 a.m.

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CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland plans to buy 2,000 riot-control suits with collapsible batons as it prepares for hosting the Republican National Convention in July.

Cleveland.com (http://bit.ly/1OV5e5I ) reports the notice seeking providers for that gear comes as the city has ramped up its public process to spend the $50 million federal security grant for the event.

Bid paperwork shows Cleveland also is looking to purchase more than 300 sets of long-sleeve jackets, gloves and shin guards that would function as riot-control gear for police riding bicycles. Previously, it has sought to buy 300 bicycles, 15 motorcycles, 25 sets of tactical armor and enough 3.5-foot-high interlocking steel barriers to cover about 3 miles.

The city is slated to have thousands of police officers on hand for the convention, which is expected to draw 50,000 visitors.

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Information from: cleveland.com, http://www.cleveland.com

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inversion says:

March 4, 2016

Cleveland plans to buy 2,000 riot-control suits with collapsible batons as it prepares for hosting the Republican National Convention in July.

Cleveland.com (http://bit.ly/1OV5e5I ) reports the notice seeking providers for that gear comes as the city has ramped up its public process to spend the $50 million federal security grant for the event.

All of that for a victory parade that likely won’t be happening…
steviedee111 says:

March 4, 2016

This seems unrealistic. Can 2000 riot police with a $50 million budget actually relocate all the Blacks, Hispanics and Muslims out of Cleveland for the duration of the convention?
caterpillar says:

March 4, 2016

I assume the 2000 riot control police will be stationed inside the convention hall, not outside.
steviedee111 says:

March 4, 2016

Caterpillar:

I assume the 2000 riot control police will be stationed inside the convention hall, not outside.

Oh, well, I guess if the convention hall is the only venue they have to control they can definitely assure no Blacks, Hispanics or Muslims get in. It’ll be like a Trump rally, only bigger.
occamsrazor2 says:

March 5, 2016

Hey, the Indians came close in 1997! And maybe the Warriors suffer a rash of tendonitis in their shooting arms this June!