Greensboro, NC-- More than 200 Triad area police will be working in Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention.
150 of those are Greensboro police officers. They are going to join thousands of law enforcement officers from across the country to assist the Charlotte/Mecklenburg Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service during the convention.
"We brought our regular equipment plus our gear for crowd control and personal gear. Mainly we are just going to go down there with what we usually use here," said Officer Steve Roberts, Greensboro Police Department. "Most these crowds will throw things at you. Large objects, bike racks, things like that."
With thousands of anticipated protestors, police say trouble could come from anywhere.
"It's become a bit more violent than what I think has occurred in the past," said Officer Ryan Todd, Greensboro Police Department.
But officers only want to ward off trouble, not protestor's rights.
"The most important thing to remember is that we are there to protect everybody's first amendment right, freedom of speech," said Roberts.
"There are some concerns but I think we are prepared for them," said Todd.
They're prepared after months of training and years of working major events in Greensboro.
"These are folks who have, who have stepped up to the plate and said you know I want to be a part of this because this is a once in a lifetime or once in a career event but this is going to be a lot of fun, a lot of work, but exciting I think at the same time," said Chief Ken Miller, Greensboro Police Department.
These officers are going to have long days. Chief Miller says they'll be working at least 12 hours shifts- but so will the officers staying in town.
They'll have to make up for the 150 people assigned in Charlotte.
The High Point Police Department is sending 47 officers. The Guilford County Sheriff's Office is sending 40. Winston-Salem Police will add dozens of their officers to the mix as well as 11 from the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.
WFMY News 2