Security Tight in Charlotte

By Andrea Wright

Security has been tight at the Democratic National Convention being held in Charlotte, NC, this week. The DNC brought in policeman, deputy sheriffs, firefighters, and medical personnel from all across the country, as well as federal officers from the U.S. Secret Service and other departments. There were police on horseback, riding dirt bikes, and driving Hummers, including some officers in unmarked cars that had outrageous colors and 20” rims and others riding bicycles. And no matter what state they were from, they wore their local uniforms, mostly traditional “police-blue” but others tan, brown, or black.

While they worked long, tiring shifts, they all seemed warm and courteous to the DNC participants, whether they were delegates, press representatives, or simply visitors. Many were glad to help passersby by posing for pictures or answering questions. Sometimes, though, asking an officer in uniform directions to a local street would draw shrugged shoulders: “I’m not from here, ma’am, I just don’t know.”

On the other hand, there were some mixed reviews about all the security among business owners and employees. Some felt put out because of street closures, or having to find and pay for parking and walk long distances to get to their jobs. One waitress at Mert’s has been spending $20 a day on a cab ride from a distant parking lot, and told of us of a customer whose cab fare that normally would be five to ten dollars ended up paying $80, while her cab was stopped in traffic, held by police at intersections, and forced to drive blocks out of the way to get to her destination.

But DNC participants were grateful for all the safety on the streets.