BRADENTON, Fla. — As the Republican National Convention kicked off Monday, some Tampa Bay-area police officers are in Milwaukee to help with security.
Bradenton and Palmetto officers arrived this weekend and have already started working. This as local law enforcement agencies continue to stay vigilant and monitor for any potential political violence threat level at home.
The team deployed to the RNC includes 15 officers from the Bradenton Police Department and two officers from the Palmetto Police Department. They join thousands of officers nationwide funded by federal grants to assist the Secret Service.
"They are working 10 to 12-hour shifts and depending on the law-enforcement agency, there's that coverage in that outer perimeter 24/7 throughout this event," said Meredith Censullo, PIO, Bradenton Police Department.
The officers are helping with patrol, investigations and SWAT. They have been assigned to secure the secondary perimeter set by the Secret Service and Milwaukee police.
"Drawing attention to anything that doesn't seem right, and we are on hand to respond if additional response is needed," Censullo said.
At home though, the assassination attempt on former President Trump at a Rally in Pennsylvania has added another layer to an already heightened political climate. Local law enforcement leaders have said that while there are no specific threats or risks to the public or the upcoming elections, they are closely and constantly monitoring the situation.
"It's the individuals who may pose a threat and we will always be on heightened alert for those people. Whether that's a directive from the federal government or if that's internal, that's what we're looking for. What's not right here, is something off here, do we need to be concerned," said Censullo.
Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister said the Tampa Bay Regional Intelligence Center uses technology to monitor online and mobile chatter for potential threats and will take swift action once suspicious activity is detected.
"The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office recognizes the critical importance of safe elections. To safeguard this right, HCSO dedicates significant resources and training to mitigate potential threats proactively. This multi-layered approach involves continuous training of our deputies, collaboration with partner agencies, and leveraging technology for threat monitoring," said Phil Martello, Assistant Chief Communications Officer, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
However, law enforcement leaders say the public's vigilance is also key to keeping people and the community safe by sending in tips that help make the difference when it comes to thwarting any terrorist plot, whether domestic or otherwise.
"Sheriff Chronister urges residents to let Team HCSO know if they see something suspicious. By working together, residents and law enforcement can create a safer environment for everyone during the election. If you see something suspicious near a polling place, don't hesitate to report it to HCSO," Martello said.
"People know when there is a potential danger and we will continue to that vigilance and see something say something because it does make a difference ultimately," Censullo said. "Violence though, there is no place for that, and any thread we're going to take seriously we are going to respond with the same amount of urgency as we would respond to any other emergency incident."
According to BPD, officers have been participating in political conventions like the RNC and the DNC, including in 2012 when the RNC held in Tampa. They have also provided similar security support at the Presidential Inaugurations.
While there were no Tampa police personnel sent to the RNC this week, a spokesperson for the department said they have had conversations with leaders at the Milwaukee Police Department and communicated best practices to assist with the event.
"We are always analyzing, monitoring, and adjusting best practices to keep all parties involved safe, as that is our number one priority in all events, regardless of their size," said Verliz Williams, Public Information Officer, Tampa Police Department.