CSBJ Daily

The Colorado Springs Police Department is one of 30 law enforcement agencies in the state that has been asked to provide security services during the Democratic National Convention, set to take place this August in Denver. An estimated 5,000 extra city, county and federal security officers will be required.

But they can’t afford to work for free, CSPD Lt. Skip Arms said.

The state of Colorado has been granted $50 million to cover the cost of security during the event which is expected to attract more than 35,000 people to the city. That includes FBI, National Guard as well as state and local police support.

“We’re in very early discussions – and there are lots of issues to be worked out. Travel time, overnight lodging – as well as how the city would be compensated. We have minimum staffing requirements and will not sacrifice local police coverage,” Arms said.

The city police force includes a total of 688 people, ranging from new recruits to the police chief.

“A lot of cities have been approached, but they can’t afford to work without pay,” he said. “An event like this should be funded by other sources and not by the taxpayers.”