CMPD to release list of security items bought for DNC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The federal government gave Charlotte $50 million for security for the Democratic National Convention.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police and many smaller departments in the area ended up with gear they get to keep. Eyewitness News is asking CMPD for a list of what it received and what it keeps.

Officers were careful not to release too many details before the event, but many at least found out some details ahead of time.

According to published reports, they bought roughly 150 sets of riot gear, including helmets, gloves, shin guards, and groin protection.

They bought thousands of feet of tall vehicle barricades, fences, concrete walls, and bike rack barriers.

The big question all along was what will they get to keep?

A lot, according to officers who worked the last DNC in Denver four years ago. One small town outside the Mile High City, Arvada, told Eyewitness News it got radios and riot gear and kept them.

Monday, CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe told Eyewitness News a lot of the gear his department landed will stay in Charlotte.

"We didn't go out and buy any equipment that we won't be able to use and put in the hands of our officers tomorrow in order to continue serving the public," Monroe said.

WSOC