Dallas police staged demonstration and riot drills Wednesday at Fair Park, the day before a large demonstration is planned against presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
About 600 Dallas officers participated in the training with riot helmets and shields. There was smoke to simulate tear gas and scores of police recruits playing the role of unruly demonstrators, all of it in hot weather conditions similar to what the officers could face.
“In our country everyone has a privilege to assemble and give voice, and the Dallas Police Department’s role in that is to protect everyone,” Deputy Police Chief Jeff Cotner said.
Cotner refused to speak directly about anyone involved in possible demonstrations during Trump’s visit, but he acknowledged recent events elsewhere.
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