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The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department gave an overview Monday of its operations during the Democratic National Convention, including the creation of a large, temporary hospital that was built in the event of numerous casualties.
The three-day DNC passed with no significant events and only 25 arrests. But Monday’s presentation gave some insight into the extent of CMPD’s planning for the political event.
“We planned for the worst,” said Deputy Chief Harold Medlock, who is leaving to become police chief in Fayetteville.
Monday’s overview was part of CMPD’s work with a consultant, CNA of Virginia. The consultant reviewed the police department’s planning and execution during the convention.
The mobile hospital – provided by the state – was set up at the police academy’s driving range.
Medlock also said CMPD decided to use multiple vendors for its food contract. It wanted more than one vendor in case food from one supplier was tainted.
The city received a $50 million federal security grant. CMPD said about $20 million of that money stayed in Charlotte, either through local equipment purchases or salaries for CMPD officials.
CMPD said it is donating about $4 million of that equipment to nearby police departments.
The police department said it is still compiling a list of its total equipment purchases, which Medlock said it will release to the public in March.
“We’re still paying bills,” Medlock said.
