News

Some officers from Monroe PD to work DNC

MONROE, N.C. — In just a few weeks, Officer Ryan London could be in the middle of big crowds in Charlotte.

“It's history. It's something we may never get the chance to do again,” he said.

He and several other officers from the Monroe Police Department will be working the DNC.

“We're sending 33 officers to Charlotte,” said Monroe Police Department Chief Debra Duncan.

For weeks, the officers have been preparing, and there is more work ahead.

“We were sent to Alabama from some specialized training,” London said.

“They were training in things like large-scale events, demonstrations, protesting,” Duncan said.

Thirty-three officers is about one third of the police force. With that many officers gone, Eyewitness News asked what will happen if someone in Monroe calls 911.

“They aren't going to notice any decline in law enforcement coverage in the city because there's not going to be one,” Duncan said.

For that week, Duncan said no other officers will be allowed to take time off. They won't be doing other training, just working the streets. If they do need more officers, the Union County Sheriff’s Office will be ready to help as always.

Duncan and London said that week will be busy. But once it's all over, the City of Monroe will benefit.

“We will have the equipment so if there is ever a need in Union County, not just Monroe, in Union County we will be able to assist in that,” said London.

Duncan said that officers will be getting some free uniforms and equipment.

London said he thinks he can apply his new training to situations in Monroe.

“Bars where there were large fights, large crowds -- this would have been very helpful,” he said.