Chicago had the privilege of hosting the Democratic National Convention (DNC) for the first time since 1996, and the community was involved in every part of it. Human Geography teacher Erik Hodges lives in Wrigleyville, just miles away from the United Center where the DNC took place. 

“My friends left Chicago because they were scared of the traffic, but it was better than usual.” Hodges said.

However, Prospect’s  school resource officer was hard at work. Officer Tyler Johnson assisted the Chicago Police Department as an extra security officer. Johnson was stationed with his group as extra help in case of any complications with protests or on the off chance that a riot or fight would break out among protesters. 

The police force was hard at work. Two years prior to the convention security plans were being discussed. According to Lieutenant Dagmara The Chicago Police department prepared security along with the FBI, Secret Service, and 25 other local and state agencies. 

They had to make sure that all dignitaries, governors, and all other important guests were safely moved to and from the United Center. Their job was to do on-demand interstate closings (these are when police close the entrances to interstates to make them empty for convoys or other important people) to ensure the security of everyone important. They also had to ensure the event runs smoothly, they had to map out the area and make sure that protests didn’t get out of hand. According to Dagmara During the second day of the DNC protesters tried to breach the fence, but they were stopped. 

Thanks to everyone in our community the DNC was a success. Hodges liked Chicago during the DNC, “I liked it better during the DNC because the traffic was less hectic than normal.”