St. Petersburg police: We're ready for the Republican National Convention. • While the city has a limited role in next week's events beyond Sunday's kickoff party at Tropicana Field, law enforcement officers on this side of the bay are just as busy. • "This is probably the most massive and significant regional effort I've ever seen," said St. Petersburg police Maj. Melanie Bevan, who is coordinating the RNC security details. "And let there be no mistake about it, you're going to encounter the same highly trained people over here. You're not going to find a big disparity." • St. Petersburg police have spent the last several months in the same training as their Tampa counterparts, police Chief Chuck Harmon said. More than 100 officers will be helping in Tampa next week. • In recent days, the agency issued thousands of door cards to people with information about road closures and parking restrictions. Officials also plan to distribute pamphlets to protesters and citizens about event zone rules. • Residents can expect an increased police presence in and around downtown starting Saturday as delegates and protesters arrive.
Kameel Stanley, Times staff writer
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