Security a big priority for 2016 DNC in Philly

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The 2016 Democratic National Convention will bring tens of thousands of people to Philadelphia for a week and security is major priority.

Political conventions by their very nature attract protesters with opposing or varying political views.

That was no different than when Philadelphia hosted the Republican National Convention in 2000.

Philadelphia Police, then under Commissioner John Timoney, drew national attention with how they handled protesters. It drew mostly praise but also some criticism.

Enter current Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, who will be planning police operations for DNC 2016.

"You take a look at your operations plan and update it accordingly. The world's slightly different then, obviously because that was pre-9/11, this is post," said Commissioner Ramsey.

Which means Homeland Security and counter-terrorism units will be heavily involved.

From security standpoint, officials say Philadelphia beat out New York largely because the Wells Fargo Center was seen as an ideal location.

It's somewhat isolated with secure borders and natural boundaries like Broad Street.

"Philadelphia's logistics were so strong, security - from a standpoint of moving these people around and getting them around. Is it a secure city? They felt really good about it," said Jack Ferguson, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

By the time the convention arrives on July 25, 2016, Philadelphia would have had vast practice in the art of moving large numbers of people around - with Pope Francis' visit in the fall of this year, expected to draw nearly 2 million people.

"You know everything is a challenge in its own way, but nothing that we can't handle," said Commissioner Ramsey.

There's also the money needed to provide all the police manpower and overtime.

Mayor Nutter expects a federal grant to help pay for it and, if need be, funrdaising as well.