Cleveland police prepared for the Republican National Convention for more than a year. The world watched as the RNC went off with little problems. Now, the Cleveland police department is getting national accolades.
"There were a lot of expectations beforehand, most were bad. I think we dispelled that and it went pretty well," said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams.
Thousands of officers from departments across the country helped Cleveland police keep the peace. "They were great, great. I talked to many of them and they were happy to be here," added Williams.
The bicycle squad played a key role in the security last week. "Now we have to take that to another level and translate that to community policing," explained Williams.
Williams and the top brass were right in the thick of things during the protests. "That's the way we do it in Cleveland. If you notice the Cavs celebration and parade to any event, there are white shirts with front line officers," said Williams.
Williams said the success of the event was teamwork by CPD and all of the other agencies that were in Cleveland to help.
