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Police Officers Learn from RNC Experience

Police in formation at Public Square (photo: Elizabeth Miller)

By Elizabeth Miller 

The thousands of out-of-state police officers in town for this week’s Republican National Convention are on their way back home with a few new ideas they’ve picked up in Cleveland.  

The bicycle patrol was the talk of several police officers from out-of-state.  Officer Steven Constable of Austin, Texas, remarked on the different ways Cleveland has used the bikes.

"What Cleveland’s doing with their bike formations, following protesters – that’s something I’ve never seen before.  I’ve never seen it implemented that way," said Constable.  "It’s very interesting, new to me, and it somethings that could probably help Austin if it’s something we’re able to get trained on."

Constable says Austin deals with large crowds at festivals like Austin City Limits or South by Southwest. He says usually officers are dealing with fights or intoxicated people, but protests do happen occasionally.

Wisconsin’s Sergeant William Miller also says he will mention Cleveland’s bike tactics when he heads back home.   He adds that this week’s convention was peaceful. 

"We think we made a difference in that injuries were limited, almost nothing," said Miller.  

"It’s not a story and that’s great for all of us."

The officers said neither department will be at next week’s Democratic National Convention.