CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - You can't just walk into the top secret DNC planning hub inside Charlotte Mecklenburg Police headquarters at will.
The door can only be accessed by a select few as CMPD's security plan for the DNC is shrouded in secrecy.
But CMPD gave WBTV exclusive access to bank of offices and conference room where the planners have hunkered down for a year, hammering a blueprint to keeping the city safe come September.
"Yours is the first TV camera we've allowed in here," said Deputy Chief Harold Medlock.
The head of CMPD's planning division for DNC security, his team has been working diligently to make sure the plan is ready.
At first glance -- the super secret, secure entry DNC planning room doesn't look like much.
Then the deputy chief admits they cleaned up a bit before our cameras arrived.
"We had to put some things up and cover some things over," he revealed.
That explained the bare table tops, blank dry erase boards and a large piece of paper reminiscent of blueprint conspicuously folded over.
The deputy chief was very clear about not revealing specifics of the plan from how many boots on the ground there will be to security perimeter to any tactical plans.
"There are elements of the plan and planning process that will not become public until after the event is over," said Medlock. "But that's just to maintain the integrity of the plan."
A plan that's hashed out inside a smallish, non-descript conference room. Again, not much to look at but Medlock says it's the think tank.
"That's what we're trying to do is make assumptions about what's going to happen because we don't have any basis for this," he said.
They go over scenario after scenario, hunkered down for hours at a time as they make sure they have every possible problem worked through.
All the while dealing with rampant rumors about their plan. From the ridiculous -- they were asked if they bought any tanks --- to the hilarious.
"Folks wouldn't be allowed to walk their dogs if they live in the Center City which is pretty funny," Medlock recalled.
But all jokes aside, he says the plan is in good shape but always evolving.
"I think we're in a very fluid stage and we're constantly tweaking," he said. "And if you come back on August 26 and ask me the same question, I'm going to say it's in a very fluid stage and we're constantly tweaking.
CMPD also informed every employee, sworn and civilian, months ago that no vacation time will be allowed during the DNC so they would have plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements.
"Basically they will work and sleep, " he said. "And of course, we'll feed them too."
Another thing you can count on: seeing a tremendous amount of law enforcement from across the country in town to help CMPD with security during the DNC.
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