Security at the RNC: Should Law Enforcement Be Concerned?

CLEVELAND -- It has been a fiery campaign season for both parties. With protesters across the country at times clashing with police and each other at various political events and the recent shootings of police officers in Dallas, it's no wonder there's some tension heading into the GOP convention.

But the Republican National Committee says it's confident with the security procedures set in place. 

"We are working every day to make sure that every person that is attending conventions is safe," RNC spokeswoman Audrey Scagnelli said. 

Scagnelli says a lot of work has gone preparations for the event.

"We have had a team here on the ground for well over a year working on preparing for the convention. That's everything from transportation to logistics," Scagnelli explained. 

That preparation also includes hours of tactical training and the city's purchase of 300 bicycles to expand bike patrols that can easily navigate the crowds.

The Cleveland Police Department, the Secret Service, and the FBI, and some other police departments from around the country, will help provide security.

But after the ambush in Dallas -- and protests that turned violent in Baton Rouge and Minnesota -- some of the city's law enforcement is on edge.

"Scream about Trump. Scream about Hillary. Don't throw a stone. Don't throw a rock at my guys," said Cleveland Detective Steve Loomis.  

Loomis, a 33-year veteran with the Cleveland police, is also president of the city's Police Patrolmen's Association.

Loomis has been the most critical of Cleveland and the RNC on convention security.

"My biggest concern is for the safety and well-being of our guys. I am concerned that we're not going to have the numbers that we should have," he said. He was also upset when his officers' tactical equipment didn't fit.

Loomis worked with local businesses, at the union's expense, to get the gear altered.

The federal government will be watching for potential terrorist activity, Loomis told CBN News.

While most of the issues seemed to be resolved, there are still a few safety concerns, including protesters with different agendas converging in one place.

Tim Selaty Sr., with Citizens for Trump, told CBN News his group plans to hold a rally during the convention and explained they plan to protect themselves from potential violence.

"Ohio is an open-carry state. If you feel the need to have a gun to protect yourself -- be responsible with it," Selaty said. "We are going to tell them we don't want them to bring long arms, (but) you really can't tell anyone not to bring a gun."   

The Black Lives Matter organization didn't respond to CBN when asked the same question, though members of the group's local chapters said they don't plan to attend. 

Meanwhile, members of the city's faith community are promoting a message of change.

Dr. R.A. Vernon, pastor of Cleveland's largest predominantly black church, told CBN News he opposes violence, but he also thinks the convention could present an opportunity to highlight injustice. 

"The prophetic part of me knows that while the whole world is watching, will there be a better time to point out what is happening to innocent black lives in America?" he asked.

Vernon, who marched alongside civil rights activists after the police shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, emphasized the importance of peace.

"Jesus is the Prince of Peace. I don't want our city to be the next Dallas," Vernon said. 

Everyone seems to agree on one thing: If trouble comes, it won't be from the people who call Cleveland home.

City officials and faith leaders feel certain Cleveland residents will remain peaceful, no matter their political differences, and they're hoping outsiders will do the same.