NYPD to search every subway train for Rep. Nat. Convention & update on RNC organizing

Citing terrorist threats, the NYPD will be searching every train leading into Penn. Station during the Republican National Convention. The NYPD says they will primarily be searching for explosives, etc. but we can only assume they will also be searching for and confiscating anything which may be considered dangerous (inluding picket signs/sticks, etc.). We have yet to see what will be banned during protests or actions, but the situation does not look promising.

More recent developments in the struggle to allow protests in NYC during the Republican National Convention:

City Rejects Permit For Anti-War Rally During GOP Convention - http://rncwatch.typepad.com/rncwatch/2004/04/city_rejects_pe.html

NYPD Sets June 15 Deadline for RNC Protest Permits: http://rncwatch.typepad.com/rncwatch/2004/04/nypd_sets_june_.html

RAVAGE THE RNC: Take the Streets, Take Control! Call for Direct Action at the Republican National Convention in New York City August 29th - September 4th 2004 - http://www.infoshop.org/inews/stories.php?story=04/05/07/9505629

Matthew Leising, "NYC Direct Action Groups Bring Tactics to RNC" - http://info.interactivist.net/news/04/05/03/2143234.shtml?tid=14
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Kelly for convention security: search all Penn Station trains
April 29, 2004

Every train headed for Penn Station during this summer's four-day GOP convention will be stopped and searched by cops and bomb-sniffing dogs, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly announced yesterday - an unprecedented plan likely to create a nightmare for millions of passengers on seven subway lines, two commuter trains and Amtrak.

Inconvenience aside, sources familiar with convention security plans say, Kelly believes it is the best way to prevent a terrorist attack.

"It's our goal to check every train, physically, with dogs and with police officers before it comes into Penn Station," Kelly said. "I think we're going to be well prepared."

About 500,000 passengers get on and off trains in Penn Station every day, riding the 1,9,2,3 or A,C,E subway lines; the LIRR or NJ Transit. Thousands more pass through on their way to other destinations.

Those assigned to search the trains in the initiative known as Train Order Maintenance Sweeps will be responsible for checking every car on every train.

Further logistics of the plan, such as where the trains will be checked along their routes, need to be finalized, sources said.

"The nitty-gritty has to be worked out," according to one source familiar with the security planning for the convention.

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