Mar 25, 2008 11:21 pm US/Central
Talking With Top Cop In Charge Of RNC Security
ST. PAUL (WCCO) ―
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St. Paul Assistant Police Chief Matt Bostrom is the top local police official in charge of planning for security.
CBS
In just over five months, the international spotlight will focus on downtown St. Paul. That's where 2,500 Republican delegates are expected to name Sen. John McCain as their choice for the next commander in chief.
St. Paul Assistant Police Chief Matt Bostrom is the top local police official in charge of planning for security.
"Because it's a media event, any misstep on security from a security standpoint can be instantly broadcast around the globe, which makes it a lucrative target for terrorism," said Bostrom.
Outside the Xcel Energy Center, thousands of protesters will march and make their voices heard during the four day convention which starts Sept. 1.
"We are indeed there to facilitate, and not stop, free speech," said Bostrom.
Making sure both groups successfully, and peacefully, reach their goals is a top priority for Bostrom, who is working closely with other local law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service.
"What we are committed to doing is providing a sight and sound," he emphasized.
Bostrom has been a low-profile member of the St. Paul Police Department who has been thrust into the spotlight in his Republican National Convention security role. He projects a low-key confidence as he faces the challenges of preparing for an international event. It is based, in part, on law enforcement's much praised response to the Interstate 35W bridge collapse last summer.
"That is a demonstration of what our region can do without preparing. That's what we do as a matter of routine. That's how we know how to work together," said Bostrom. "With this we've had months to plan and prepare, and that is where my confidence comes from."
He's optimistic people who work or live in St. Paul will be able to pretty much go about their lives as normal during the RNC.
"I think people are going to be surprised how small of a disruption this will be," said Bostrom.
Bostrom expects about 45,000 people will be in town for the RNC, about half of which will be members of the news media. He also predicts there will be even less traffic downtown than the city sees during a typical Xcel event, such as a Bruce Springsteen concert or a Wild game.
"At a Wild game, you might get 2,500 people driving in personal vehicles. In an event like this there will be 300 to 350 motor coaches. Very predictable patterns -- we'll be able to move them accordingly," he said.
To keep order during the RNC, police presence will include up to 3,500 officers from all over the metro area. Many officers will ride on bikes to navigate downtown streets as part of mobile patrols.
Bostrom thinks these two-wheel patrols will be the "most dramatic change in law enforcement that people will see in this event."
Bostrom also predicts St. Paul won't notice any spike in crime rates during the RNC, pointing to drops in that type of activities when national political events were held in Boston and New York.
"While there will be a lot of energy around the Xcel Energy Center, and a lot of our focus will be there, we will have our police offices answering our 911 calls in St. Paul as we would on any other day. We're going to staff as a normal day," he said.
To keep up to date on the city's security, traffic and transportation plans for the RNC, go to the city's Web site by clicking here.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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