BROOMFIELD — Rumors persist that Saturday’s Republican State Convention could draw protesters, including some seeking to make a mark at Denver’s Democratic National Convention in August.
But a community meeting Wednesday held to discuss how protests will be handled provided scant evidence that there will be any sort of ruckus.
The forum drew two reporters, two local City Council members and the Broomfield County Republican chairman.
Still, officials say they want to be prepared.
“Overall, our goal is to ensure the safety for everyone,” said Broomfield police Cmdr. Mark Bella.
Broomfield is adopting many of the same measures used by other police departments, including setting aside a “free-speech area” for protesters.
The area is roughly adjacent to the Broomfield Event Center, where 6,000 delegates will gather for the convention.
The free-speech area is bordered by Colorado 121 on the south, Uptown Avenue on the north and west, and Arista Place to the east. That spot was picked because it allows conventiongoers a chance to see and hear the protesters but it won’t impede the workings of the convention, said Byron Howell, deputy city and county attorney.
City Councilwoman Linda Reynolds said police have gained valuable experience in crowd control since the center opened in 2006.
“I think they will do a fabulous job,” Reynolds said.
