Monday, July 18, 2016

City of Cleveland Daily Media Update July 18, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

Republican National Convention 2016

CLEVELAND – This evening, Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Police Chief Calvin D. Williams provided the media with an overview of actions that transpired in the event zone as it relates to the Republican National Convention.

Click here to view the briefing in its entirety. A brief summary follows.

Protest Safety and Security Updates:

  • Two mid-scale protests concluded peacefully.
  • Protesters numbered between 450 and 500 individuals, combined.
  • Bicycle officers were dispatched to discourage conflict between opposing positions.
  • There are no scheduled protests after 6 p.m. today.
  • No reported physical damage to City of Cleveland property.

There was one arrest:

  • A female was arrested on a felony warrant and misdemeanor of obstruction of official business and resisting arrest.
  • Although there were no related arrests, police confiscated a small knife, gas masks and a slingshot – all items listed on the prohibited items list.

Open Carry Law:

  • Officers are instructed on how to approach individuals pertaining to open carry. Open carry participants are instructed regarding their responsibilities under the law. As a reminder, carrying individuals cannot brandish, point or menace people with a weapon.

Traffic:

  • Traffic will continue to be challenging, but no additional closures are being added at this time.

The next media briefing will be July 19, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

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Tuesday, July 19, 2016

City of Cleveland Daily Media Update July 19 at 7:00 p.m.

CLEVELAND – This evening, the City of Cleveland provided the media with an overview of actions that transpired in the event zone as it relates to the Republican National Convention. Due to the active protest situation, Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Police Chief Calvin D. Williams were overseeing the situation and unable to attend.
 
View the briefing in its entirety here. A brief summary follows.
 
Protest Safety and Security Updates:
•    There have been a total of 5 arrests as it relates to the Republican National Convention since Sunday, July 17.
•    A warning alarm on an RTA bus sounded. The bus was stopped and evacuated. A hazmat crew declared it to be a false alarm.
•    A fire alarm was pulled at the Hilton. The building was evacuated and the incident is being investigated.
•    The Bicycle Unit was deployed to large scale demonstrations to keep two opposing sides separated. Both protests dispersed and no civilians or officers were harmed.
•    The list of registered protest groups is available here.
•    The expectation for protestors is to exercise their rights peacefully and without harming others or property.
•    If not of a criminal nature, individuals with prohibited items are asked to leave and the items confiscated.
•    Officers have trained for many scenarios. Hundreds of agencies have responded to the call to assist Cleveland Police.
 
Health Concerns:
•    The Erie County Public Health Department is overseeing an issue regarding norovirus at Kalahari Resort.
 
The next media briefing will be July 20, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
 

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Thursday, July 21, 2016

City of Cleveland Daily Media Update July 21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

CLEVELAND – This morning, Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Police Chief Calvin D. Williams provided the media with an overview of actions that transpired in the event zone as it relates to the Republican National Convention. A brief summary follows.

Safety and Security Updates:

  • No security updates from last night. It was a quiet night.
  • Arrest records for all RNC related arrests.
  • Safety is our first priority.
  • We support lawful expression of first and second amendment rights.
  • Open carry has not been an issue, but has required additional resources.
  • A total of 18 arrests were made during the incident bringing the total of RNC event related arrests to 23.

Hot Weather:

  • Temperatures expected to reach the mid-90s
  • Stay hydrated, drink water, seek shade, wear lightweight, loose and light colored clothing.
  • If you experience signs of Heat Exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; dizziness or fainting) or Heat Stroke (high body temperature (above 103°F)*, hot, red, dry or moist skin, rapid and strong pulse or unconsciousness), seek medical attention. City’s EMS staff is stationed around the city.
  • Cleveland Water has four spigots to fill water bottles:
    • Willard Park on the north side near Lakeside Avenue
    • Perk Plaza on the south side
    • Mall A on the south side near Rockwell
    • Settlers Landing
  • Cleveland Water’s buggies are at four locations:
    • West Sixth Street and Frankfort
    • Kirtland Park
    • Sumner Court (first aid village)
    • Public Square

The next media briefing will be Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

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Friday, July 22, 2016

City of Cleveland FINAL RNC Media Update July 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

Republican National Convention 2016

CLEVELAND – This morning, Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Police Chief Calvin D. Williams provided the media with a final overview of actions that transpired in the event zone as it related to the Republican National Convention (RNC). Click here to view the briefing in its entirety. A brief summary follows.

Final Wrap-up:

Mayor Jackson and Chief Williams gave many thanks to all Cleveland employees from Officers to Public Works and everyone in-between, as well as partner organizations and agencies, local businesses, visitors and the community for their overwhelming support this week.

This was a collaborative effort that took hard work, commitment and forethought from the beginning. It took a couple of years for the City to earn the position of host site for the 2016 Republican National Convention. The planning process for the Convention began about 18 months ago. There were many moving parts behind the scenes from inception to execution. Law enforcement coordination involved planning, logistics, Intel and training; City efforts were vast covering utilities, public works (street maintenance, waste removal, clean up); and countless man hours from so many area partners.

Many of the assets acquired by the City for the Convention will remain. The Bicycle Unit proved to be particularly invaluable during the convention. The Division of Police will keep the bikes and reinstitute the bike patrols in neighborhoods. Community policing efforts will remain a main priority of the division and the city will continue to institute, sustainable, lasting and meaningful reform.

All-in-all, it was a great week that was successful on every level from planning and execution to partnerships and community engagement. The overall view of our city was positive. We got our chance to show everyone what Cleveland is all about and why we are a great city.

To sum it up, Mayor Jackson said, "We were accused of not being prepared, but I think the proof is in the pudding." Chief Williams followed up by saying, "Don't doubt Cleveland. Never doubt Cleveland."

Arrests:

  • Total number of arrests for the week related to the RNC: 24

Finances:

  • After the audit is complete the City will release information relating to the National Special Security Event (NSSE) Grant Funds, including equipment costs, personnel and housing. Much of the cost to the city in regards to safety forces for the RNC will be reimbursed through this federal grant. City made financial contribution of $2.5 million to Host Committee for the event.

Total External Law Enforcement Support: 2,800

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