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NATO Summit Security Spending Tops $1 Million

By aaroncynic in News on Apr 4, 2012 1:30PM

2012_2_14_riotpolice.jpg
Riot gear like what this Chicago police officer wore in 2009 is getting an upgrade in time for the NATO/G8 summits. (Image Credit: El Moco)
The city has shelled out more than $1 million in potential NATO related security costs so far, with an untold amount of spending still to come. From riot helmets to surveillance equipment, it appears the NATO summits and Mayor Rahm Emanuel's new purchasing powers have allowed for the purchase of plenty of new gear.

From a search of the City of Chicago's Procurement Services website, we found the city has already awarded the following contracts:

That's a confirmed $1,055,120.20 spent on NATO summit related security.

So far, we haven't been able to find out how much has been spent on some of the tactical training or the surveillance equipment a company called Vislink announced they will be installing in helicopters, and the contract for the purchase of blast resistant trash cans has yet to be awarded.

Additionally, though not necessarily NATO specific, the city has awarded some other expensive law enforcement related contracts. In February, a company called Shallow Creek Kennels was awarded a $223,825 contract to furnish police dogs. Just this week, a contract which could be worth up to $60 million was awarded for the purchase of new police SUV's.