Denver calls on Springs police for help with Democratic National Convention

Colorado Springs has been asked to send 58 police officers to Denver to help provide security for the Democratic National Convention from Aug. 23 to 28.

The Denver Police Department would use Justice Department money to pay Colorado Springs $491,789 for 52 officers and six sergeants for six days of work.

"The city isn't going to have any reduction in police services or drain on its budget," said Colorado Springs police spokesman Lt. David Whitlock. "On any given day there are 50 officers that are not scheduled to work. That's going to be factored in, and it's not going to degrade the number of officers on the streets" in Colorado Springs.

Although Police Chief Richard Myers has complained for months about a personnel shortage, he is recommending that City Council approve the loan of officers during its meeting today.

Councilman Scott Hente supports helping neighbors, much like the Fire Department has interagency agreements with other firefighting forces.

"The Police Department assures us this is not going to affect staffing in the department," he said. "I'm a huge supporter of government helping out each other. Who's not to say we may not ask Denver's help with something?"

The arrangement, which includes the use of two Mountain Metro Transit buses to shuttle the cops to and from Denver, is one of many that Denver officials are lining up for the convention.

Denver police detective John White said Denver has requested officers from "throughout the state" but refused to identify which departments are being tapped.

"We're not going to be able to get into that for publicsafety reasons," he said. "If I tell you which jurisdictions we're receiving resources from, we think that in some way could get back to that jurisdiction's resources and public safety. We're not looking for anyone who wants to cause disruptions to know this information."

The Rocky Mountain News has reported that Denver police are using a $50 million federal grant to acquire weapons and provide security for the event. Last month, the department bought 88 Mark IV launchers and projectiles that fire pepper spray, in preparation for protesters.

The city has refused to disclose how it's spending all the federal security money, which prompted the American Civil Liberties Union to file a lawsuit in May alleging violation of the Colorado Open Records Act.

Denver contends that releasing the information is "contrary to the public interest" because it could jeopardize security by disclosing tactical details.

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