News
Officers, Troopers Bring Southeast Ohio To Republican Convention
By: Susan Tebben
Posted on:
Law enforcement officers from all over the country have descended upon Cleveland to help with security for the Republican National Convention, including some local forces.
Photo courtesy of OUPD
Six officers from the Ohio University Police Department went with a task force brought together to help with large gatherings and protests, according to OUPD Chief Andrew Powers.
“They receive a lot of additional training in civil unrest-type situations and protests that go beyond your average public gathering,” Powers said.
The law enforcement from OU that are currently in Cleveland are officers Dave Valentine, W. Leo Carsey, Jason Schoonover and Farin Barber, along with Lt. Eric Hoskinson and Detective Rick Sargent.
Cleveland is reimbursing the officers for their time there, but Powers also saw the event as a way for OUPD to help out just as other departments have in Athens.
“Outside agencies are used here for Halloween and other events, so this was an opportunity for us to return the favor,” Powers said.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has a presence from posts all over the state, including the Athens post. While some troopers are assigned to work the event, Post Commander Lt. Max Norris said some also volunteer to help out.
Norris declined to say which troopers from the Athens post were in Cleveland for security reasons, but said “several units” were sent “to help make the event safer.”
The troopers were not given specific roles before they left for the convention, being held until Thursday.
“My understanding was they would meet there, and would receive different responsibilities based on what (Cleveland police and the Secret Service) need,” Norris said.