The experience of working the 2009 Super Bowl is invaluable for planning security for the Republican National Convention, police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said. Officers expect to utilize many of the same techniques and will employ many of the same local, state and federal agencies.
The Department of Homeland Security deemed the 2009 Super Bowl a National Security Special Event [sic]. Police expect the homeland security department to do the same for the 2012 convention, which means officers would once again work with agencies including the FBI, U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Strong relationships developed between police and the other agencies will benefit the department this time around, Assistant Chief John Bennett said.
Immediately prior to the 2009 Super Bowl, police had the advantage of planning security by attending Super Bowls in two other cities. There won't be another Republican National Convention until Tampa's event, but police still will look at planning details of the most recent conventions, Bennett said.
Police have a concept for a security plan based on prior Tampa events. They and other agencies will spend time over the next two years planning for the convention, and planning will continue until it occurs, Bennett said.
The Tampa Police Department will devote major resources to event security but will make sure the rest of Tampa is safe as well, Bennett said.
"The thing we start with is making sure that our day-to-day services have been handled," he said.
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