When Donald Trump called himself the “law and order candidate,” he likely had little idea just how true it was. The Republican National Convention proved surprisingly peaceful, after the riots and attacks surrounding Donald Trump rallies throughout the primary campaign. One major reason for this was the huge — and diverse — police presence.
Cops from all across the country came to volunteer their services to make the RNC safe, and by all accounts, they did an amazing job. There was one false report of a shot being fired, but besides that, the RNC was remarkably quiet, thanks to the boys — and ladies — in blue.
Here is PJ Media’s (incomplete) list of where these brave souls came from. Enjoy!
1. California.
California Highway Patrol officers at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Photo Credit: Tyler O’Neil, PJ Media.
Cleveland is a long way from the left coast, but that did not deter these brave men. Expecting violence, they came to bring peace.
2. Florida.
Florida Highway Police at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Photo Credit: Tyler O’Neil, PJ Media.
At any other time of year, it would be sad to leave Florida. But while Cleveland was hot this week, it certainly wasn’t as hot as it must be in the Sunshine State.
3. Austin, Texas.
Police from Austin, TX, at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Photo Credit: Tyler O’Neil, PJ Media.
The Lone Star State was not above sending its officers up to Cleveland to defend Midwesterners. They may joke about independence, but their national spirit is strong.
4. Kansas.
Kansas Highway Patrol at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Photo Credit: Tyler O’Neil, PJ Media.
These men from the heartland came up to the Great Lakes.
Next Page: How about the South?
5. Georgia.
Georgia Police at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Photo Credit: Tyler O’Neil, PJ Media.
Southern boys forgot their differences with Ohio Yanks and risked their skin for their countrymen. This is particularly something, given that Cleveland’s Public Square has a huge and ornate Civil War memorial in the center, prominently displaying Abraham Lincoln more than once. These cops didn’t mind at all.
6. Memphis, Tennessee.
Memphis Police at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Photo Credit: Tyler O’Neil, PJ Media.
Living up to their state’s nickname, these cops volunteered to head up to Cleveland. I hope they found some good whiskey!
7. Columbus, Ohio.
Police from Columbus, OH in Cleveland for the Republican National Convention, Photo Credit: Tyler O’Neil, PJ Media.
These officers made their way from the capitol. Unlike most of the visiting police, they might have been able to go home at night — although it would still have been a 2-hour drive.
Bonus — mounted rangers.
Mounted Police at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Photo Credit: Tyler O’Neil, PJ Media.
I believe these officers are locals, but there were a few mounted cops from other states. The cops at the RNC used bicycles to close down areas and horses to move around. While the horse may have lost its usefulness in warfare, it still gives police a higher vantage point over the crowd and the ability to muscle their way through hostile crowds.
The cops maintained order throughout the entire convention, and only temporarily closed certain areas to prevent mass migration by protesters. They did not impede free movement, but provided a strong force to prevent mayhem.
This was an example of police doing their jobs well, and while a few people may have felt uncomfortable, the overwhelming response was positive. Both locals and visitors expressed their trust in the police and the comfort they brought them. Indeed, one could say the cops were more popular than the politicians, as PJ Media’s Paula Bolyard put it.
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