Security plans in place for RNC

WLUK TV

Updated: Aug 28, 2012 6:27 AM

Tampa, FL — Final security procedures are now in place at the Republican National Convention, and those attending will see some changes.

It is quiet on the convention floor and also on the streets of Tampa. The streets are all but empty and so is the convention hall.

"It looks like a great set for a zombie apocalypse movie, right now, especially because the delegates aren't here for the most part.  So, you're looking at empty streets and a bunch of guards.  It's a little bit eerie, but I'm sure it'll fill up over the next couple of days," Political analyst Chris Moody said.

Part of it is the storm, part is the extraordinarily tight security given that extremists might attempt to disrupt the convention.

Wisconsin security expert Brian Dorow says the RNC plan is about as strong as he's ever seen. The plan has 8-foot fences, blocked off roads, heavily restricted access, and police on nearly every corner.

Dorow said, "I'm very impressed, that's my area of expertise and how they have the flow of traffic secured and how they have what we call target hardening, each of the key buildings have a security fens around it, so nobody can compromise that security line. As well as your're not going to have if protesters would come, you're not going to have the damage because the is a distance away from the actual building."

The Delafield resident is observing the operational security plan and will take lessons back to Wisconsin, where he advises municipalities that host big ticket events.

"The key is they're allowing attendees to know in advance   they're a security checkpoint so you don't get there and everything's bottle-necked," Dorow said.

The Tampa plans is using more than 5,000 officers on the ground. Some will be traveling in small units, known as strike teams not posted in one place, but constantly on the move looking for problems.

Dorow went on to say, "The preparedness is at the highest level for this venue here, you have the presidential nominee, the vice presidential nominee all the governors and senators, everyone is here."

Regardless whether it was security or the threat of a storm, RNC chairman, Reince Priebus has said repeatedly that security is the top priority in Tampa.

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