Wisconsin State Patrol sending 45 officers to RNC convention

CLEVELAND — Wisconsin will be sending 45 members of the State Patrol to Cleveland next month to help with security at the Republican National Convention.

That is 11 percent of the State Patrol's 409 sworn staff members.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation spokeswoman Patty Mayers says those going to the convention are being diverted from lower priority assignments and on overtime. She says all of the costs will be funded by Ohio through a mutual aid agreement.

A North Carolina police department last month rescinded its offer to send 50 officers to Cleveland amid concerns about the city's readiness for an event expected to draw 50,000 people.

Murray says the Wisconsin State Patrol has not been asked for assistance in providing security for the Democratic Party convention in Philadelphia.