Preparing for the NATO Summit

Presented by Mike Boehne

What do we know so far?

Details are commonly withheld until the last minute. Secrecy leads to greater security. The dates of the actual NATO Summit are May 20th 21st (Sunday & Monday), but dignitaries and protestors will begin arriving as early as May 14th. Based on the number of permit requests, the City of Chicago is expecting around 10,000 demonstrators. Adbusters, the group credited with starting the Occupy Wall Street Movement, is calling for 50,000 protestors. Based on past history, we are likely to see numbers closer to the 10,000 range.

What do we know so far?

The Chicago Police Department currently has over 10,000 officers. CPD is working to deputize additional law enforcement personnel and bring in outside departments to bolster their numbers. The FBI will be in charge of anti-terrorism measures, the Secret Service will be responsible for security of the diplomats, U.S. Coast Guard will be on the lake and the CPD will be in charge of protestors/parades/demonstrators.

What do we know so far?

City Officials are emphasizing they do not expect daily activities to be interrupted. They are planning for business as usual. During the same weekend, the Cubs & Sox will be playing at Wrigley Field along with many other events happening downtown. It is very likely that the Chicago Bulls will be in the 2nd round of the NBA Playoffs and have at least 1 home game during this time.

Who is NATO?
North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NATO
Military Organization System of Collective Defense An attack against one is an attack on all Formed in 1949 and is based in Brussels, Belgium. 28 member countries that account for 70% of the worlds entire military spending.

What is the G-8?

G-8 stands for the Group of 8 which is an unofficial forum that brings together the heads of the richest industrialized countries. The summit is intended to be a venue for resolving differences among its members. The core members are: Canada France Germany Italy Japan Russia United Kingdom USA

What is the G-8?

Topics discussed include: Health Law Enforcement Labor Economic and Social Development Energy Environment Foreign Affairs Terrorism Trade

Why do people protest at these events?

Critics believe members of G-8 do not do enough to help global problems like debt, global warming, and AIDS. The G-8 Summit always results in protests. These protests can start days prior to the actual summit.

Why do people protest at these events?

NATO involvement in armed conflicts Nuclear Weapons Military Spending Rich nations not spending enough to help poor nations Corporate greed and high unemployment Many other reasons

NATO/G-8 Summits
The G-8 Summit was moved, why are we still talking about it?
Occupy Chicago states: The location of G-8 will not affect our plans to voice dissent against the atrocities that G-8 inflicts upon the global population. The move signifies that they are afraid of the global voice that will be gathered in Chicago and they feel the need to hide.

Andy Thayer of the Coalition Against NATO-G-8 said: The protests will go forward. We believe that NATO is, frankly, the defacto military arm of G-8 and anybody whos upset with G-8 should be upset with NATO.

Heres what you should expect:

Increased police presence from Monday, May 14th through Tuesday, May 22nd. 10,000 (or more) demonstrators in an area concentrated around Grant Park. 40-70 motorcades per day. Most of them will be going from downtown to McCormick Place.

Heres what you should expect:

Protests WILL occur during the NATO Summit Progression to riot will be dependent upon:
Police response City planning Reaction of buildings in the Central Business District and general population.

Heres what you should expect:

Difference between protest and riot:
Semblance of order or leadership Cause or purpose for movement Focus of aggression Presence of violence

Will the protests be violent?

Initially, probably not. Most demonstrators are trying to get their message out using nonviolent tactics. Be prepared, however, because with groups of this size it sometimes only takes one spark to set off rioting and violence.

Who are the protestors?

Many different backgrounds and motivations. Environmentalists, war protestors, civil rights groups. PROFFESSIONAL ORGANIZERS, like Andy Thayer.
Has been an activist for over 30 years Various causes Admittedly a noisy agitator Expert on First Amendment Rights

What did we learn from Occupy Chicago?

If protestors abide by the general guidelines set forth by the police, they can have their message heard clearly. If the police show mutual respect for the demonstrators, they can get them to cooperate. If handled properly, there can be minimal inconveniences.

Summit Preparation
What can we do to prepare? Evaluate Plan Train

Summit Preparation
Building Management & Security have: Met with the CPD, OEMC, DHS and FBI. Participated in informational and planning meetings with BOMA and the City of Chicago. Increased the security presence in and around the building. Developed specialized training for security covering civil disobedience, bomb threats, medical emergencies and dealing with the media.

Summit Preparation
No move-ins or move-outs during these dates No large deliveries during these dates No major construction during these dates Review Emergency Preparedness Plans with staff

Civil Disturbance Procedures

Our three priorities:
Protection of life Protection of property Limitation of Business Interruption

Civil Disturbance Procedures

There are generally only THREE things over which we have any control:
Building systems (HVAC, GAP restriction, elevators, etc.) Communication (FLS system, e-mail blasts, 911) Tenant movement (Protective Actions)

Civil Disturbance Procedures

What can we do if a protest becomes a riot? Building systems
Restrict building access (lock doors) Recall elevators if rioters enter building

Communicate
Notify all tenants via FLS system Contact 911

Tenant movement
Initiate Shelter-In-Place Keep tenants / visitors out of lobby

Prepare yourself!
Bring a change of clothes to work. Make an effort to blend in. Leave extra time to get to and from work. Keep identification with you at all times. Some areas may be credentialed so you will need to show an ID to gain access. Read the news and stay aware of what is happening.

Conflict Resolution

Many conflicts happen because of a misunderstanding. Make sure you are clear with your instructions and requests.

Conflict Resolution
If you find yourself in a conflict with protestors you should NEVER: Raise your voice it only escalates the argument. Call names its counterproductive. Place your hands on someone unless you are threatened with bodily harm.

Dealing with The Screamers

They are looking for attention and are resorting to childish means to get it. Dont take insults personally. Dont be intimidated. You are not the cause of their unhappiness, just the recipient.

Bomb Threats
When a bomb threat is phoned in try to keep the caller on the phone as long as possible & pay close attention to: The callers voice Background sounds Speech patterns & tones

Bomb Threats
When a bomb threat is phoned in ask questions like: When will it explode? Where is the bomb right now? What does it look like? Why are you doing this? Where are you calling from?

Bomb Threats
Call 911. Call building security: 312-284-2104. *No one knows your space better than you and your employees, therefore you will be asked to search your own space.

Bomb Threats
Should we evacuate due to a bomb threat? Evacuation is at the tenants discretion. Building Management follows the direction of local authorities who specialize in such scenarios. They will instruct us when it is appropriate to evacuate.

2012 NATO Summit

Lets Plan for the Worst & Hope for the Best!