St. Paul police are preparing for the visitors and protesters who will be here for the Republican National Convention by having a meeting a few days ago to talk about safey.

Minneapolis Police Federation President John Delmonico wrote in a letter to Minneapolis officials questions he's heard from officers:

• "We have been told that plans are to limit the use of Mace and to limit the number of Tasers to one or two per platoon ... thereby placing officers in the difficult situation of having to escalate to blunt instruments or deadly force if the protesters become violent ..."
• "We have also been told that plans are to prohibit officers on the front lines from wearing helmets and carrying riot shields because such gear would appear 'intimidating.' "

The piece continues with some concerns and also, what is hopefully not, feigned reassurance.

St. Paul Assistant Police Chief Matt Bostrom said in February that the public shouldn't expect police officers in riot gear lining the streets.

Delmonico's letter also noted concern about officers on bicycles being vulnerable and a possible lack of portable radios.

In response to Delmonico's letter, St. Paul police spokesman Tom Walsh said, "Items issued to a police officer that they carry in their daily assignments will be available to them in this event."

Do police officers carry Tasers and Mace during daily assignments? If so, does that mean they will be allowed to carry them during the convention?