Posted on 07/18/2016 10:22:33 AM PDT by randita
By Jane Morice, cleveland.com
on July 18, 2016 at 12:18 PM, updated July 18, 2016 at 12:31 PM
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams dispelled rumors that officers seen on bicycles Sunday at an anti-Trump protest were in what some called "riot gear."
The chief said during a Monday morning press update that the officers were in padded Motocross bike-style gear. They had been using the gear on a different detail and were called in to help out with the protest.
Williams added that Cleveland police don't use the term riot gear. They wear a form protective gear when needed for crowd control but it is different from what the officers had on Sunday.
"Just to be clear, there is no such thing as riot gear. The city of Cleveland does not have riot gear," Williams said.
The padded gear worn by bicycle officers was purchased in preparation for the Republican National Convention. The city sought to purchase 310 sets of long-sleeve jackets, gloves and shin guards.
The city also bought gear for use for crowd control.
Cleveland is seeking to buy 2,000 sets of riot gear, including riot-control suits and collapsible batons, the city's latest step to spend a $50 million federal security grant for July's Republican National Convention.
Williams said the "personal protective equipment" is meant to be a defensive tool, not an offensive tool against demonstrators.
In March, the city of Cleveland sought to purchase 2,000 sets of riot-control suits and batons with part of the $50 million federal security grant used to prepare for the RNC.
It’s not riot gear, it’s first amendment protection gear.
Should have held it in Tampa again, with hot humid temps in the mid 90’s and daily thunderstorms expected, the outdoor crowds would be seeking shade elsewhere.
LOL. Now that’s a healthy perspective!
Chief Williams: “The city of Cleveland does not have riot gear.”
Maybe the city council wouldn’t approve the purchase. Even a police chief has to answer to the council.
Will be interesting if the protestors get squirrelly.
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